4 Terrestrial and aquatic animal farming, and its role in environmental AMR contamination

Besides human waste, animal waste is also a source of antibiotic resistant bacteria, ARGs and antibiotics in the environment. Revisit the course Antimicrobial resistance in animals [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] for a reminder of the causes, presence and effects of antimicrobial usage in animals.

Animal manure is used as fertiliser to increase agricultural production. This practice can increase the level of AMR in soils, at least temporarily. Heavy rainfall can wash resistant bacteria, antibiotics and ARGs off soils into rivers. The use of antibiotics in aquaculture (the production of fish, shellfish etc. in controlled environments) can also lead to contamination of sections of environments like coastal waters and rivers.