1.1 Antimicrobials in food production animals

Both livestock and aquatic food production systems have intensified in the last few decades. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), extensive animal production systems are being replaced by intensive production systems, characterised by high stocking densities of animals, and high use of human inputs such as commercial feed and antimicrobials.

These systems have relied on the use of antimicrobials to ensure animal health and maintain productivity and profitability. In some cases, antimicrobials have been used as substitutes for good management practices that prevent disease, such as strict hygiene and biosecurity. The use of antimicrobials in animal production is an important driver of the emergence of resistant bacteria in animals, which can then spread to humans and the environment.

Figure 1 An example of intensive broiler production in Mozambique – note the high stocking density.

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A photograph of a large number of chickens accessing a feeder and a water dispenser.

Figure 1 An example of intensive broiler production in Mozambique – note the high stocking density.

In 2015, it was estimated that in the US, 70% of medically important antimicrobials are used in agriculture (O’Neill, 2015). Despite reduction efforts, current global projections of antimicrobial consumption (AMC) in food-producing animals show a continuous increase (van Boeckel et al., 2015; Schar et al., 2020).