Rational use of antimicrobials in animal production: a prerequisite to stem the tide of antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide ` One Health' problem. The spread of AMR has limited the treatment options against infectious diseases. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials, is a major contributor for the development of AMR and its spread. In animal husbandry, antimicrobials are used for treating infectious diseases and in sub-therapeutic concentrations for growth promotion and disease prophylaxis. The use of antimicrobials in sub-therapeutic concentrations exerts selective pressure on bacteria and results in the emergence of bacterial strains resistant to one or more antimicrobials. The food animals raised on sub-optimal doses of antibiotics become reservoirs of resistant bacterial strains, transmitted subsequently to man and the environment. Various human, animal and environmental health agencies have decided to jointly address this problem. Establishment of integrated and harmonized AMR surveillance programmes, reduced use of antimicrobials in animal production, good governance of veterinary services, and development of new antimicrobials and their alternatives are some of the AMR management strategies in animals. Antibiotics are indispensable for human health; however, they should be totally banned in the food animals to preserve effectiveness of these drugs. In India, use of antimicrobials in food animals is limited for disease prophylaxis and growth promotion. However, absence of uniform regulations on the use of antimicrobials in animal production threatens the rationale use of these drugs in livestock.