Antimicrobial resistance in livestock: current trends, challenges and future directions

Summary

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global threat to human, animal and environmental health and has received increasing attention from stakeholders worldwide. The overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in both human and veterinary medicine have significantly accelerated the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms. On the veterinary side, significant efforts have been undertaken in livestock to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU) and minimise the spread of AMR.

The aim of this review was to provide an overview of current trends in AMU and AMR in food-producing animals, to identify the main constraints and mitigation strategies related to AMR, and to highlight future directions and key research gaps. A global reduction in the total quantity of antimicrobials intended for use in animals has been reported, with prospects for a continued downward trend. A positive correlation between the use of certain classes of antimicrobials and bacterial resistance in specific pathogens of importance to both animal and human health has been observed. Integrated surveillance programmes for AMU and AMR have played a crucial role in generating these AMR data and in guiding the formulation of recommendations.

For this article, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point framework was used as an approach to structure and customise some examples of on-farm intervention strategies aimed at both reducing AMU and minimising AMR. The article outlines future challenges in mitigating AMR in animal production that must be addressed to preserve the efficacy and longevity of existing antimicrobials, while supporting sustainable animal production practices.

Keywords

Antimicrobial resistance – Antimicrobials – Antimicrobial use – Food-producing animals – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point – One Health – Sustainable animal production – Veterinary.