Global Livestock Antibiotic Use Projections

In recent years, the use of antibiotics in global livestock has become a pressing concern. A study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) predicts rise in antibiotic use by 2040 if current practices continue. This projection marks the urgent need for strategic interventions to mitigate risks associated with antibiotic resistance.

Current Antibiotic Use Trends

In 2019, global antibiotic use in livestock reached approximately 110,777 tons. Projections indicate this could increase by nearly 30 per cent to around 143,481 tons by 2040. The expected rise in antibiotic use reflects growing livestock production to meet increasing food demand.

Impact of Productivity on Antibiotic Use

The study suggests that improving livestock productivity can lead to substantial reductions in antibiotic use. Optimising animal health, management practices, and production efficiency could potentially cut antibiotic use by up to 57 per cent, reducing it to about 62,000 tons by 2040. This indicates that enhancing livestock efficiency is crucial for curbing antibiotic dependency.

Regional Contributions to Antibiotic Use

The Asia and Pacific region is projected to remain the largest contributor to global antibiotic use in livestock, accounting for 64.6 per cent of the total. South America follows with approximately 19 per cent. In contrast, Africa, North America, and Europe contribute less, at 5.7 per cent, 5.5 per cent, and 5.2 per cent, respectively.

Global Commitments and Challenges

Governments around the world have pledged to reduce antimicrobial use in agrifood systems by 2030, as part of the UN General Assembly Antimicrobial Resistance Declaration. Achieving this target is challenging, particularly in regions where livestock production is expanding rapidly to satisfy food demand.

Initiatives for Sustainable Practices

To address these challenges, the FAO has launched the RENO Farm initiative. This programme offers policy guidance, technical assistance, and capacity-building to help countries reduce antibiotic use while promoting sustainable livestock practices. The initiative aims to transform agrifood systems for better health outcomes.

Key Findings from the Study

The study puts stress on that reducing livestock numbers alone will not impact antibiotic use. Instead, the focus should be on improving production efficiency. Even modest reductions in antibiotic use intensity can help offset increases in overall antibiotic use, especially when combined with lower livestock biomass.

Research Collaboration

The research was conducted by a team of FAO experts, including Alejandro Acosta and Wondmagegn Tirkaso, in collaboration with Thomas Van Boeckel from the University of Zürich. Their findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable livestock management and antibiotic resistance.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the implications of rising antibiotic use in global livestock on public health.
2. What are the roles of international organisations in managing antibiotic resistance in agriculture? Explain.
3. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of sustainable livestock management practices in reducing antibiotic dependency.
4. What is the significance of the UN General Assembly Antimicrobial Resistance Declaration? How does it aim to address global health issues?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the implications of rising antibiotic use in global livestock on public health.

1. Increased antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat.
2. Resistance can spread from animals to humans through food, water, and environmental pathways.
3. Higher resistance rates can result in longer hospital stays and increased healthcare costs.
4. Vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, are at greater risk of adverse health outcomes.
5. Public health systems may become overwhelmed, affecting overall health security and disease management.

2. What are the roles of international organisations in managing antibiotic resistance in agriculture? Explain.

1. International organisations like FAO and WHO set guidelines and standards for antibiotic use in livestock.
2. They provide technical assistance and capacity-building to countries for implementing sustainable practices.
3. These organisations facilitate global cooperation and data sharing to monitor antibiotic use and resistance trends.
4. They promote awareness and education on the risks associated with antibiotic misuse in agriculture.
5. International bodies advocate for policies that support responsible antibiotic use and reduce dependency.

3. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of sustainable livestock management practices in reducing antibiotic dependency.

1. Sustainable practices like rotational grazing improve animal health and reduce disease outbreaks, lowering antibiotic use.
2. Implementing biosecurity measures can prevent infections, thereby minimizing the need for antibiotics.
3. Examples include organic farming, which often uses fewer antibiotics due to healthier animal management.
4. Utilizing probiotics and vaccines can enhance livestock health without relying on antibiotics.
5. Efficient feed conversion ratios in livestock can lead to better growth with less antibiotic intervention.

4. What is the significance of the UN General Assembly Antimicrobial Resistance Declaration? How does it aim to address global health issues?

1. The declaration emphasizes the need for a global response to combat antimicrobial resistance, recognizing it as a critical public health threat.
2. It sets targets for reducing antimicrobial use in agriculture and healthcare sectors by 2030.
3. The declaration encourages member states to adopt national action plans addressing antibiotic resistance.
4. It promotes research and innovation for alternative treatments and sustainable practices.
5. By encouraging international cooperation, it aims to create a unified approach to mitigate the risks associated with antibiotic resistance.