Tackling antimicrobial resistance in farm animals

In brief 

• Global Threat: AMR poses a significant threat, leading to resistant infections, higher mortality rates, and reduced productivity. Without intervention, AMR could cause over 39 million deaths by 2050.
• Government Action: Governments are tightening regulations on antimicrobial use, with over 140 countries committing to reductions, indicating a trend towards stricter controls.
• Consumer Demand: Growing demand for antibiotic-free (ABF) products is pushing producers to adopt better biosecurity, vaccination programs, and alternatives like probiotics and prebiotics.
• Industry Progress: The industry has reduced antimicrobial use significantly, with a 44% decrease in the EU from 2014 to 2021, showing the positive impact of these efforts.

“Antimicrobials help animals and humans live longer and healthier lives, but many of these life-saving drugs are dangerously losing their efficacy, which has devastating impacts not only on human health, but also on livestock and the economy at large,” said WOAH Director General Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran during the 79^th UNGA High level meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in September 2024.

To help future generations treat infections and live longer, we must preserve antimicrobial effectiveness. Partnering with international organizations is essential in this regard.

At the same time, the animal industry faces the challenge of feeding a growing population, with the demand for animal protein expected to increase by 70% by 2050. Meeting this demand sustainably requires innovative solutions that support high farm productivity while prioritizing environmental and animal health standards as well as AMR reduction strategies. 

The looming danger

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global threat, impacting both human and animal health. It leads to resistant infections, prolonged illnesses, higher mortality rates and reduced productivity. A recent publication in The Lancet warns that antibiotic-resistant infections could lead to over 39 million deaths between now and 2050 if current trends continue without substantial intervention. The widespread use and misuse of antimicrobials contributes to this crisis, threatening food security and economic stability, especially in low-income countries. 

Understanding the causes

Though the leading cause of antimicrobial resistance in humans is the antimicrobial consumption by humans, antimicrobial resistance is a global One Health challenge, necessitating responsible antimicrobial use across humans, animals, and plants. High prevalence of resistant bacteria in the wild animals and the environment provide clear evidence that antimicrobial resistance needs a multisectoral approach focused on responsible use of antimicrobials. 

Progress in addressing AMR in farming

The animal protein industry has made significant strides in reducing antimicrobial use to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Between 2014 and 2021, there was a notable 44% decrease in antimicrobial consumption for food-producing animals in the EU. This reduction highlights the positive impact of the industry's efforts. Some northern European countries have shown that even more substantial reductions are possible, indicating a promising trend towards further decreasing antimicrobial use and improving overall animal health practices. 

A fight worth fighting

The encouraging news is that AMR is reversible. This is evident in antimicrobial use and AMR monitoring programs, which consistently show that reducing antibiotic use leads to lower resistance rates. By continuing along this path, we can preserve the efficacy of antimicrobials for both humans and animals, ensuring their availability and effectiveness for generations to come.

Why animal protein producers should care about AMR

For animal protein producers, addressing AMR is not just a matter of public health, but also a critical factor in maintaining industry sustainability and profitability.

Governments worldwide are tightening regulations on antimicrobial use to combat AMR. At a recent United Nations General Assembly, over 140 countries committed to reducing antimicrobial usage and investing in better diagnostics and preventive measures. These commitments indicate a clear trend towards stricter controls, urging the animal industry to adapt its practices accordingly.

In addition to regulatory pressures, there is a growing consumer demand for antibiotic-free (ABF) products, which are perceived as safer and more sustainable. Consumers associate ABF production with improved animal welfare and environmental practices. To meet this demand, producers are adopting better biosecurity measures, implementing vaccination programs, and using alternatives to antibiotics such as probiotics, prebiotics, and organic acids. Leading companies are already aligning with these consumer expectations to stay competitive.

Future treatment challenges also underscore the importance of addressing AMR. As bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, the options for treating animal diseases diminish. This is particularly concerning for livestock and poultry producers who depend on these medicines. Without effective treatments, animal welfare declines due to prolonged suffering or higher mortality rates, productivity drops as disease outbreaks become harder to control, and production costs rise, threatening profitability.

By addressing these issues, animal protein producers can comply with regulations, satisfy consumer demands, and ensure sustainable and profitable operations. 

Reducing antibiotics together

Transitioning to systems with reduced need for antibiotics is not without its hurdles. It may be challenging to maintain animal health and performance while avoiding antibiotics. Investments in improved farm managements as well as biosecurity and alternative health management strategies are needed. The time to act is now: failing to curtail AMR will mean greater damage to human and animal health at a higher cost later on. 

Acting swiftly and implementing best practices involve the exchange of knowledge and expertise between farm management specialists and veterinarians. This collaboration is vital for a successful and safe transition to practices that minimize reliance on antibiotics while maintaining animal health and welfare.

Responsible shift to antibiotic reduced systems

We are committed to support this transition, facilitating meetings with leading experts from research as well as industry, providing sustainable solutions that not only reduce antibiotic use but also enable the animal industry to achieve its productivity goals responsibly. 

Figure 1 illustrates the comprehensive results from a large number of trials. When comparing performance outcomes with antibiotics as the control group, the data reveal that in 48% of the trials, eubiotics matched the daily weight gain of chicks achieved with antibiotics. In 36% of the trials, eubiotics outperformed antibiotics, while in 16%, the results were slightly lower than those of the antibiotic control group. Overall, these findings highlight that eubiotics are effective and recognized as viable alternatives to antibiotics for growth promotion in livestock.

Helping to tackle AMR

dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health is making significant contributions to the global fight against AMR through proven solutions to reduce antibiotic use, supported by science-driven innovation, collaboration, and advocacy.

We have extensive experience supporting large, medium, and small-scale operations in reducing antimicrobial use. A thorough evaluation of on-farm conditions is critical to identify areas for improvement and implement effective changes. 

Our precision services offer comprehensive solutions to minimize the reliance on antibiotics while promoting animal health and farm productivity. Key strategies include real-time health monitoring to detect early signs of illness and data-driven decision making to optimize farm management with Verax^TM and FarmTell^TM. We also provide tailored nutrition and feed applications to strengthen animals' animal health, and offer eubiotics such as probiotics, prebiotics, phytogenics and organic acids.

The stepwise approach to antibiotic reduction ensures a gradual transition, allowing to monitor outcomes and minimize risks. Our science-based solutions, including data-driven insights and eubiotics, have demonstrated their effectiveness in commercial settings. These solutions help maintain animal health, enhance farm profitability, and support the sustainable production of safe, nutritious food. 

Responsible shift to antibiotic reduced systems

We are committed to support this transition, facilitating meetings with leading experts from research as well as industry, providing sustainable solutions that not only reduce antibiotic use but also enable the animal industry to achieve its productivity goals responsibly.