Antibiotic Overuse in Bangladesh poultry Farms Fuels Drug Resistance
Dhaka, Bangladesh – A new study reveals widespread and concerning antibiotic use in Bangladesh’s poultry industry, specifically on farms raising meat-type chickens like broilers and Sonali breeds. This practice is substantially contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, jeopardizing both food safety and public health, according to research published in Nature.com.
Extent of Antibiotic Use
Researchers examined 340 commercial chicken farms across seven districts and found that a staggering 93% utilized antibiotics during production. The use was markedly higher in farms focused on meat production. broiler farms reported antibiotic use in 78% of cases, while Sonali farms showed 67.2%, compared to just 41.3% in egg-laying farms.
“Meat-type farms, particularly broilers, were three times more likely to demonstrate poor antimicrobial practices than layer farms,” the study stated. Broiler farmers frequently administered multiple classes of drugs, even within the relatively short production cycles.
Did You Know? The overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture is a leading driver of antimicrobial resistance globally, impacting human health by reducing the effectiveness of treatments for common infections.
Critical Antimicrobials in Use
The study highlighted the extensive use of antibiotics deemed “Highest Priority Critically Crucial Antimicrobials” by the World Health Association (WHO) for human health. Nearly half of the farms used fluoroquinolones, followed by tetracyclines and sulfonamides. Alarmingly, colistin-a last-resort antibiotic for humans-was still used on approximately 4% of farms, despite WHO recommendations to restrict it’s use to preserve its effectiveness (WHO, 2017).
Over one-third of farmers reported using antibiotics for disease prevention, and nearly half administered them to chicks instantly after hatching. this proactive, rather than reactive, approach to antibiotic use is a key driver of resistance.
Awareness and Veterinary Guidance
A concerning finding was the limited awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among farmers.Onyl about one-third understood the implications of AMR, and many relied on advice from drug sellers or feed dealers rather of qualified veterinarians. Just 22% consistently consulted with veterinarians, while nearly a third never sought their guidance.
Interestingly, farmers with over a decade of experience were more prone to misusing antibiotics than newer farmers, indicating that outdated practices continue to persist within the industry.
Antibiotic usage Breakdown by Farm Type
| Farm Type | Percentage Using Antibiotics |
|---|---|
| Broiler (Meat-Type) | 78% |
| Sonali (Meat-Type) | 67.2% |
| Layer (Egg-Laying) | 41.3% |
| Overall Average | 93% |
Public Health and food Safety Concerns
Researchers warn that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics is accelerating the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria, not only in poultry but also in farm sewage and among individuals handling chickens. This poses a direct risk to consumers and public health.The presence of antibiotic residues in meat products also presents a potential hazard to human health.
Pro Tip: Choosing poultry products from farms committed to responsible antibiotic use can help reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance.
“Without urgent intervention, the misuse of antibiotics in meat-type chicken farms risks accelerating resistance and undermining both animal and human health,” the study concluded.
What steps can be taken to regulate antibiotic use in poultry farming and protect public health? How can we encourage farmers to adopt more enduring and responsible practices?
Context and Long-Term Implications
The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a global crisis, identified by the WHO as one of the top ten threats to global health (WHO, 2023). In Bangladesh, the intensive poultry sector has grown rapidly in recent decades to meet increasing demand for affordable protein. However, this growth has often come at the expense of biosecurity and responsible antibiotic stewardship. The country’s relatively lax regulations regarding antibiotic sales and use further exacerbate the problem. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including stricter regulations, improved veterinary oversight, farmer education, and the promotion of option disease prevention strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is antimicrobial resistance? Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat.
- Why is antibiotic overuse in poultry farming a concern? Antibiotic overuse contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can spread to humans, making infections more difficult and costly to treat.
- What are “Critically Important Antimicrobials”? These are antibiotics considered essential for treating serious human infections,and their use in animals shoudl be carefully restricted to preserve their effectiveness.
- What can consumers do to help? Consumers can support farms that practice responsible antibiotic use and advocate for policies that promote antibiotic stewardship.
- What is Bangladesh doing to address this issue? While progress is being made, more stringent regulations and enforcement are needed to curb antibiotic misuse in the poultry sector.
this research underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to address antibiotic misuse in Bangladesh’s poultry industry. Protecting public health requires a collaborative effort from farmers,veterinarians,policymakers,and consumers.
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