Effective Strategies to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in Poultry

The Role of Antibiotics in Poultry Farming Practices

Antibiotics play a critical role in poultry farming, primarily used for disease prevention, treatment, and growth promotion. In many cases, antibiotics are administered prophylactically to prevent infections in flocks that are raised in close quarters. It is estimated that approximately 75% of antibiotics sold globally are utilized in livestock production, including poultry (1). This widespread use raises significant concerns about the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as the bacteria in poultry can evolve resistance mechanisms against these drugs, which could potentially transfer to humans through the food chain.

The poultry industry often relies on antibiotics because they can enhance growth rates and feed efficiency. Studies have shown that the use of antibiotics can lead to a 10-15% increase in weight gain in poultry (2). However, this practice raises ethical and health concerns, as it may contribute to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria that pose a risk to both human and animal health.

Impact of Antibiotic Misuse on Antimicrobial Resistance

The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in poultry farming are major contributing factors to the emergence and spread of AMR. When antibiotics are used excessively or inappropriately, bacteria have an increased opportunity to develop resistance. For instance, antibiotics such as ampicillin and tetracycline, commonly used in poultry, have been associated with resistance development in various pathogenic bacteria (3). In Nigeria, studies have documented a rise in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae linked to agricultural antibiotic use, underscoring the urgent need for strategies to mitigate this issue (4).

The environmental consequences of antibiotic use are also significant, as antibiotic residues can contaminate soil and water supplies, potentially leading to the dissemination of resistance genes (5). The improper disposal of poultry litter, which often contains antibiotic residues, exacerbates this problem, leading to increased resistance in surrounding ecosystems. Thus, the poultry industry is at a crossroads: continuing to rely on antibiotics for productivity or adopting sustainable practices that prioritize animal and public health.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Poultry Farmers Toward AMR

Understanding the knowledge and attitudes of poultry farmers regarding AMR is essential for developing effective intervention strategies. A recent study in Enugu State, Nigeria, revealed that 65% of poultry farmers were unaware of AMR, highlighting a significant knowledge gap (6). Only 33% of respondents recognized the connection between antibiotic use and resistance development, indicating a need for targeted educational programs (7).

Moreover, 86.5% of farmers expressed a desire for further education on AMR, but only 39.5% were willing to cease the use of antibiotics in poultry feed (8). This reluctance may stem from a lack of understanding of the implications of AMR for public health and the economic consequences associated with the potential loss of effective antibiotics. Addressing these knowledge gaps through training and awareness campaigns could empower farmers to adopt more responsible antibiotic use practices.

Environmental Consequences of Antibiotic Use in Poultry

The environmental impact of antibiotic use in poultry farming extends beyond the farm itself. Antibiotics can enter the environment through runoff from agricultural land where poultry litter is applied as fertilizer. This can lead to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in soil and water systems, with significant implications for human health (9). For example, research has shown that antibiotic-resistant bacteria can persist in the environment, contaminating water sources and potentially entering the food supply (10).

Efforts to combat these environmental impacts must include improved waste management practices on poultry farms. Strategies such as composting poultry litter and using alternative organic fertilizers can help minimize the risk of environmental contamination (11). Furthermore, implementing biosecurity measures that reduce the reliance on antibiotics can also contribute to mitigating AMR’s spread in poultry production systems.

Solutions for Sustainable Antibiotic Use in Agriculture

To combat AMR in poultry farming effectively, several strategies can be implemented:

1. Education and Training: Providing farmers with comprehensive training on the risks associated with antibiotic misuse and the principles of responsible antibiotic use is crucial. Educational programs should emphasize the importance of veterinary guidance and the need for proper antibiotic stewardship.

2. Regulatory Measures: Governments can implement stricter regulations on antibiotic use in agriculture, limiting the use of certain antibiotics as growth promoters. Enforcement of prescription requirements for antibiotics can also help reduce misuse (12).

3. Alternative Practices: Encouraging the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and other alternatives to antibiotics can help reduce the incidence of disease in poultry. These alternatives can promote gut health and enhance the immune response in animals, thereby decreasing the need for antibiotics (13).

4. Monitoring and Surveillance: Establishing robust monitoring systems to track antibiotic use and resistance patterns in poultry will help inform policy decisions and management practices. Data from these systems can guide interventions aimed at reducing antibiotic use and combating AMR.

5. Research and Development: Investing in research to develop new antibiotics and alternative treatments can provide solutions to the challenges posed by AMR in poultry. Innovations in vaccine development and genetic selection for disease-resistant poultry can also contribute to reducing antibiotic dependence.

References

1. Fifteen years of ChEMBL and its role in cheminformatics and drug discovery. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13321-025-00963-z

2. The diversity of ignorance and the ignorance of diversity: origins and implications of “shadow diversity” for conservation biology and extinction. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/ext.2024.21

3. Safety and efficacy of genomic biomarker-guided neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced and oligometastatic prostate cancer (SEGNO): study protocol for an open-label prospective phase II umbrella clinical trial. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-13826-5

4. “Like a rollercoaster”: carer experiences of residential treatment for eating disorders. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01226-w

5. Lipid-based nanoformulations in onychomycosis therapy: addressing challenges of current therapies and advancing treatment. DOI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11895809/

6. Effectiveness of combining a proximal strengthening exercise program and foot orthosis on pain and performance among women with patellofemoral pain syndrome and a pronated foot: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-025-08787-w

7. Efficacy of nutrient supplements in managing malnutrition and sarcopenia in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-025-02801-7

8. Attitudes and Knowledge of Electroconvulsive Therapy: An Exploration of Medical Students’ Perspectives. DOI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11895812/

9. Global scientific research landscape on binge drinking: a comprehensive bibliometric and visualization analysis of trends, collaborations, and future directions. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-025-00641-1

10. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Associated with the Practice of Dermatology. DOI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11896619/

FAQ

What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
AMR occurs when bacteria evolve and develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs, making infections harder to treat.

Why are antibiotics used in poultry farming?
Antibiotics are used to prevent disease, treat infections, and promote growth in poultry.

What are the consequences of antibiotic misuse in poultry?
Misuse can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can pose serious health risks to humans and animals.

How can farmers reduce antibiotic use?
Farmers can reduce antibiotic use by seeking veterinary advice, using alternative practices like probiotics, and improving biosecurity measures.

What role does education play in combating AMR?
Education helps farmers understand the risks associated with antibiotic misuse and promotes responsible use practices, which are essential in reducing AMR.