Overuse of Animal Antibiotics Raises Public Health Concerns
The overuse of antibiotics in livestock is contributing to antimicrobial resistance, posing a significant threat to public health and global food security.
The excessive use of antibiotics in livestock is raising alarms about potential public health emergencies due to the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
A report by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) indicates that by 2050, AMR could cause livestock losses jeopardizing the food security of two billion people globally and result in a $100 trillion economic loss if urgent action is not taken. Pathogens are increasingly resistant to treatment, with some no longer responding to antimicrobial drugs.
AMR occurs when pathogens evolve to resist drugs that were once effective against infections. Overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in both agriculture and healthcare amplify this process. For instance, fluoroquinolones make up 15.8% of antimicrobials used in aquaculture, raising concerns about critical antibiotics in aquatic environments.
Around a fifth of WOAH members reported using antimicrobials as growth promoters despite the organization's recommendation against the practice. Among these, 7% used antimicrobials classified as highest-priority critically important to human health, including colistin, enrofloxacin, and fosfomycin.
Conclusion:
The overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture poses a significant threat to public health. Immediate action is required to regulate antimicrobial use and prevent a looming health crisis.
Source:
Outlook Business
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