82% of livestock waste contain antibiotic resistance genes

On the morning of September 19, Nong Lam University (Ho Chi Minh City), held a technical workshop on controlled antibiotic use in livestock production, attracting the participation of many scientists, lecturers, enterprises, and students in the animal husbandry and veterinary field.

In her overview report, Associate Professor Dr. Vo Thi Tra An (Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Nong Lam University, HCMC) noted that in Vietnam, studies have shown that up to 82% of livestock waste samples in Dong Nai and the former Binh Duong provinces contained antibiotic resistance genes. Strains of E. coli, Salmonella, Clostridium, and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from meat, milk, eggs, and livestock all exhibited high levels of resistance to multiple antibiotics, raising concerns for both the veterinary sector and public health.

The report also indicated that at several chicken, duck, and pig farms in the Southeast region, pathogenic bacteria showed resistance rates ranging from 60% to 80% against common antibiotics such as tetracycline, ampicillin, and gentamicin. This not only affects the treatment of diseases in livestock but also poses the risk of antibiotic residues in food, creating negative impacts on human health and the reputation of agricultural exports.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Le Quang Thong, Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine at Nong Lam University, HCMC, emphasized: "Antibiotic control is not only a requirement for international integration but also a shared responsibility of the entire sector. The university will continue to accompany management agencies, enterprises, and farmers to promote safe and effective alternative solutions."

Other presentations focused on feasible alternative solutions, including the application of biosecurity in livestock farms, strengthened vaccination programs, the use of probiotics, enzymes, and organic acids, as well as the adoption of herbal remedies and biological products. Some pilot studies have shown that combining probiotics with proper farm management can help reduce antibiotic use in pig farming by up to 40% while maintaining productivity.

The workshop also discussed policy issues, emphasizing that the Veterinary Drug Management Circular (issued in 2020) has prohibited the use of antibiotics for disease prevention in animal feed since the end of 2022. This represents an important step forward; however, additional measures are needed to monitor residues, strengthen farmer training, and support low-antibiotic livestock models.

With the participation of scientists, businesses, and regulatory agencies, the workshop is expected to generate a strong shift in awareness and action, guiding Vietnam’s livestock sector toward safe, sustainable practices that meet international standards.