What is antimicrobial resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance (hereafter referred to as AMR) refers to the ability of microorganisms to resist antimicrobials, making it difficult to treat bacterial infections and leading to increased mortality.
Resistant microorganisms can spread to humans through the consumption of animal-derived foods, direct contact, or through the environment, and this can lead to the spread of infectious diseases that will become increasingly difficult to treat and has become a global public health problem.
AMR in the livestock sector is a concerning issue due to its impact on animal health, human health, and food safety.
In animal protein production, how does it occur?
AMR can occur when antimicrobial drugs are used to prevent diseases in animals, because they are used in incorrect doses or prolonged treatments, and can also be caused by the excessive use of antibiotics as growth promoters.
This can be a particularly acute problem in intensive production systems where animals live in crowded and stressful conditions, increasing the risk of disease, and ultimately reducing productivity and profitability for producers.
Can AMR be prevented?
Yes, it can be prevented, but this requires taking measures to reduce the excessive use of antimicrobials in animal protein production.
It is important to note that preventing AMR in animal protein production is a shared responsibility between producers, animal health professionals, regulators, and consumers:
- Producers must be aware of the responsible use of antimicrobials and implement management programs.
- Animal health professionals must educate, advise, and promote research and development into alternatives to antimicrobials as growth promoters.
- Regulatory bodies must establish standards and regulations for the correct use of antimicrobials in livestock production.
- As the final link in the chain, consumers can promote sustainable practices by choosing products that are produced responsibly.
In conclusion, AMR in animal protein production is a serious problem that requires attention and action.
At Bialtec, our purpose is efficient and sustainable animal nutrition, which is why we design, develop, and produce a solution: precision microbiomes, an alternative to improve zootechnical parameters and increase profitability, committed to “One Health” concept.
