Dr Pankaj Dhaka, Asstt Prof, Centre for One Health, GADVASU, speaks on antimicrobial resistance.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is emerging
as one of the most significant public health threats of the 21st century. It
arises when medicines used to treat infections, such as antibiotics, lose their
effectiveness. This silent but dangerous crisis not only jeopardises human
health but also affects animals and the environment. Globally, experts now
stress the importance of the One Health approach, which recognises the
intricate links between human, animal and environmental well-being. With the
increased use of antibiotics in food-producing animals—particularly in
developing nations—the risk of resistant bacteria spreading via milk, meat and
water has also grown.
At Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal
Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, in one major study, we surveyed over
460 veterinarians across India to assess their knowledge, attitudes and
practices concerning antibiotic use. While it was encouraging to find that most
were aware of AMR, many continued to rely on personal experience rather than
diagnostic testing when selecting antibiotics. Critically important
antibiotics, including quinolones and third-generation cephalosporins, were
commonly administered in animals, particularly for conditions like mastitis and
reproductive disorders.
We
uncovered several problematic practices through qualitative study, like
over-the-counter sale of antibiotics without prescriptions, self-medication by
farmers and limited awareness about antibiotic withdrawal periods.
To expand our understanding further, the
GADVASU research team undertook a scoping review of 27 studies from 16
countries, evaluating the effect of farm biosecurity on antimicrobial use (AMU)
in livestock. The review found that 51.8 per cent of studies showed a clear
link between better biosecurity and reduced AMU, while 18.5 per cent
highlighted that improved farm management practices also helped lower
antibiotic use. Based on these findings, the review recommends promoting robust
biosecurity measures.
We urgently need stronger regulations to prevent the sale of
veterinary antibiotics without prescription.
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