Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock and One Health – Foodborne AMR and One Health Day

A seminar was organized on the topic of Antimicrobial Resistance in One Health Framework by the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. They also arranged an awareness walk on World One Health Day. Experts discussed Antimicrobial Resistance in animals especially antimicrobial resistance in livestock, One Health AMR, and Foodborne AMR in Animals.

Prof. Dr. Herman Barkema, specialist in communicable disease epidemiology, attended the seminar as a guest speaker. He gave an informative lecture to the students and faculty members of the Veterinary University on various aspects related to antimicrobial resistance in animals and One Health AMR.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Muhammad Younas led the walk along with the Dean Faculty of Veterinary Science with regard to World One Health Day. Prof Dr. Anila Zameer Darani, Prof. Dr. Hasan Mushtaq, faculty members, and a large number of students participated in the walk. They highlighted the significance of World One Health Day and the issue of AMR in Animals, humans, and the environment.

The experts briefed the participants on antimicrobial resistance in livestock and food animals. AMR in humans, the status of antimicrobial resistance in Pakistan, the use of antibiotics for viral infections, and Foodborne AMR in animals was also discussed. They also highlighted different aspects of the spread of resistant microbes, antimicrobial residues, use of antimicrobial drugs in cattle treatment, One Health AMR, and One Health objectives in human and animal health. A meta-analysis of the study was conducted and shed detailed light on various topics related to clinical mastitis in Pakistani buffaloes.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a phenomenon wherein bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop the ability to resist the effects of medications that were once effective in treating infections. This process can occur through natural evolutionary mechanisms, including genetic mutations or acquiring resistance genes from other microorganisms. As these resistant strains proliferate, the challenge of treating common infectious diseases arises, posing significant threats to public health.

The emergence of AMR is particularly concerning in foodborne animals. The nonjudicious use of antibiotics in livestock leads to resistance of bacteria. This ultimately makes the medicines less effective and the treatment of animals becomes difficult.

The rise of antimicrobial resistance in livestock is facilitated by factors such as over-prescription of antibiotics, improper use of medications, and lack of regulatory oversight.

One Health AMR and Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock

AMR is not an issue in humans only. It is an interlinked phenomenon and humans, animals, and the environment are concerned. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics in animals makes the disease-causing agents resistant. These resistant bacteria or other pathogens are transferred to humans through the food chain. On the other hand, they also spread through the environment. So to combat the issue of AMR, multidisciplinary efforts are required involving the human medical profession, the veterinary profession, and the environmental profession. So One Health AMR is concerned with human health, animal health, and environmental health.

Foodborne AMR in Animals and CODEX Standards

Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock

Antimicrobial resistance in livestock and other foodborne animals presents significant challenges to public health and safety. The overuse of antibiotics in livestock and poultry, intended for growth promotion and disease prevention, has led to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. These resistant pathogens can subsequently enter the human food supply through the consumption of contaminated milk and meat posing a serious public health risk.

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in livestock practices profoundly contribute to the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in livestock. So such use of antibiotics is the major cause of AMR in animals.

In addition to direct health implications, the environmental aspects of AMR cannot be overlooked. Runoff from farms, improper disposal of pharmaceuticals, and waste management practices can facilitate the spread of resistant bacteria into surrounding ecosystems. This spread causes infection in humans and animals through direct and indirect ways. Addressing the challenges posed by AMR in foodborne animals demands coordinated efforts to ensure safe food and public health. This highlights the concept of One Health AMR.

Antimicrobial Residues in Livestock Products

Antimicrobial residues, particularly traces of antibiotics found in livestock products, have become a significant concern within the One Health framework. The widespread use of antimicrobials in foodborne animals, primarily for growth promotion and disease prevention, has led to the accumulation of these substances in meat, milk, and eggs. Such residues not only cause food safety concerns but also raise questions about the implications for consumer health and the environment.

FAO ATLASS; Workshop on Assessment of AMR Surveillance System and Lab Network

When consumers inadvertently ingest livestock products containing antimicrobial residues, they may be exposed to potential health risks. This dietary exposure is particularly concerning, as it can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans. The World Health Organization has raised alarms over the correlation between the use of antimicrobials in livestock and the increasing rates of AMR in the general population. So AMR in animals has importance in one health framework.

World One Health Day: History and Significance

World One Health Day is observed annually on November 3rd. This serves as a platform to highlight the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The initiative promotes a collaborative approach among various sectors to tackle health issues, particularly antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The origins of this observance can be traced back to the broader One Health movement. This movement emerged in response to the growing recognition that health threats do not exist in isolation. Public health issues are linked across different domains. This idea gained momentum as healthcare professionals from various disciplines began to understand the critical relationships between human health, animal health, and the environment.

AMR Awareness Week 

The primary objective of World One Health Day is to raise awareness about health challenges that require a multidisciplinary response. It serves as a reminder that AMR, particularly as it manifests in foodborne animals, is a pressing global health concern that warrants attention. Through collaborative efforts among governments, NGOs, healthcare providers, and researchers, the day fosters dialogue and action to help combat AMR. By emphasizing the One Health approach, stakeholders aim to find integrated solutions that promote the health of humans, animals, and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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