Researchers are sounding the alarm that the livestock we consume might be a pathway to an impending pandemic of antimicrobial resistance, potentially leading to a surge of lethal superbugs. According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), resistant diseases could claim up to 10 million lives annually by 2050.
Experts caution that the animals we consume may serve as a conduit for a future pandemic, driven by antimicrobial resistance and resulting in a rise of lethal superbugs.
The World Health Organization projects that by 2050, drug-resistant diseases could result in as many as 10 million fatalities every year.
The researchers explored the challenges to public health and food security posed by food animals in Southeast Asia for the International Journal of Food Science and Technology.
This issue is pertinent to Australia, which shares robust political, economic, and social connections with Southeast Asian nations. Earlier this year, Australia celebrated 50 years of partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a special summit in Melbourne.
Co-authors of the journal article include bioscientist Professor Rajaraman Eri and microbiologist Dr. Charmaine Lloyd from RMIT University in Australia, along with public policy specialist Dr. Pushpanathan Sundram from Thailand.
“There is a significant pandemic on the horizon related to antimicrobial resistance,” stated Eri, who serves as the Associate Dean of Biosciences and Food Technology at RMIT and is also a veterinarian.
“If we continue on this path, we may reach a point where antibiotics become ineffective, making it impossible to treat infections.”
The research team has identified Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, as a significant hotspot for antimicrobial resistance in livestock.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the region is home to over 2.9 billion chickens, 258 million ducks, 7 million cattle, 15.4 million buffaloes, 77.5 million pigs, 13.7 million sheep, and 30.6 million goats.
Sundram mentioned, “Livestock farming, especially among smallholders, provides jobs, additional income, boosts nutrition, and contributes to the economic welfare of nations.”
The paper underscores the challenges Southeast Asia faces concerning animal-related antimicrobial resistance and residues, emphasizing the need to differentiate between the two issues.
Resistance develops when microorganisms adapt to the antimicrobials they encounter.
Lloyd, from RMIT’s School of Science, remarked, “The presence of antibiotics in food, soil, water runoff, and animal waste on farms can promote the development of this resistance.”
“The misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs, especially for growth promotion in healthy livestock, have led to a rising rate of resistance.”
“Since resistant bacteria can be transmitted from animals to humans via the food chain or direct contact, this connection reinforces the importance of addressing antimicrobial resistance in livestock.”
Residues in food animals refer to remnants of drugs, pesticides, and other chemicals that linger in animal tissues or products post-exposure.
Eri noted, “Veterinary drug residues often result from the excessive and improper use of antibiotics, growth promoters, and other medications in animal farming practices.”
“While efforts to regulate antimicrobial use in the region are ongoing, there is increasing concern about the health implications of consuming products that contain antimicrobial residues, which may harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” Sundram stated.
“In Australia, we have stringent policies to manage antimicrobial resistance, particularly regarding antibiotic use,” Eri added.
“However, the situation varies globally; in many nations, antibiotics can be easily purchased for both human and animal purposes.”
The research team made six recommendations for policymakers in ASEAN nations to combat antimicrobial resistance and residues in food animals:
- Acknowledge the distinction between residues and resistance to implement appropriate interventions for the challenges in Southeast Asia’s livestock.
- Engage in regional collaboration to create tailored strategies that address outbreaks, environmental issues, residue levels, and antimicrobial resistance.
- Launch country-specific awareness initiatives, robust residue and resistance surveillance, enforce effective regulations, and encourage responsibly managed antimicrobial use to mitigate resistance risks.
- Encourage international partnerships and initiatives to comprehensively tackle resistance, ensuring a coordinated response against both residues and resistance.
- Enhance public health systems and readiness.
- Support innovation and research into alternative antimicrobial strategies, sustainable farming methods, and advanced diagnostics to address evolving challenges effectively.
