Consumers have been urged to exercise caution when purchasing animal and poultry products to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Dr. Patrick Muinde, Research Manager at World Animal Protection, advised consumers to monitor the sources of these products to ensure their safety, emphasizing that individual vigilance can significantly contribute to reducing AMR risks in humans.
Dr. Muinde highlighted the role of consumers in complementing government efforts to regulate and monitor food safety and he stressed the need for greater accountability and traceability in animal product supply chains.
Speaking at a virtual event during the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), he also called on livestock farmers to reduce the overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture, a major driver of AMR.
Antimicrobial resistance, a global health and socioeconomic crisis, has far-reaching impacts on human and animal health, food production, and the environment. Drug-resistant pathogens pose universal threats, yet more public and stakeholder awareness is needed.
Dr. Muinde pointed out the connection between industrial animal farming and AMR, stating, “In many intensive farming systems, antibiotics are routinely used not just to treat infections but also to mitigate poor living conditions and promote growth. This misuse accelerates the development of resistant bacteria, which can be transmitted to humans through the food chain, direct animal contact, or environmental contamination.”
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites develop resistance to medicines meant to treat them. The rise of superbugs—pathogens resistant to multiple drugs—poses a critical danger to both human and animal health. Dr. Muinde emphasized that sustainable and humane farming practices are vital to curbing AMR, urging the agriculture sector to reduce antibiotic dependency and prioritize animal welfare.
WAAW, observed annually from November 18-24, is themed “Educate. Advocate. Act now” in 2024. The theme reflects the need for global action, focusing on educating stakeholders, advocating for stronger commitments, and implementing concrete measures against AMR. This year’s theme was shaped by feedback from stakeholders in human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors worldwide.
The World Health Organization has called for a unified global effort to combat AMR, emphasizing the importance of educating stakeholders, strengthening regulations, and adopting responsible practices. World Animal Protection outlined specific actions for livestock stakeholders, including the judicious use of antibiotics, ending their use as growth promoters, and supporting policies that ensure animals are raised in conditions that enhance their health and welfare.
The organization also advocated for humane farming practices that reduce the need for antibiotics by improving living conditions, enhancing nutrition, and adopting alternative disease prevention methods such as vaccination and biosecurity measures. Additionally, they encouraged supporting campaigns that promote better animal welfare and responsible antibiotic use as part of global efforts to transform food systems.
The demand for livestock-derived foods is projected to rise by 30% by 2030, with meat and milk consumption expected to more than double by 2050. This surge will increase pressure on farming systems, exacerbating AMR, particularly in regions like Africa, where industrial livestock systems are rapidly expanding.
The World AMR Awareness Week is a global initiative aimed at increasing awareness and promoting best practices among stakeholders across the One Health spectrum to reduce the spread of drug-resistant infections and safeguard global health.
