From farm to lab: A united front against antibiotic resistance

While many regions worldwide are aggressively scaling back antibiotic use in livestock, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) identifies Asia-Pacific as a concerning "laggard." Between 2020 and 2022, the reduction in this region was only about 2%, significantly lower than in Europe (approximately 23%) and Africa (20-22%).

This disparity indicates that the pressure to control antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the Asia-Pacific region remains immense. Notably, the World Health Organization warns that Vietnam is among the countries at greatest risk of being severely affected by drug-resistant bacteria in the near future. This situation is quietly fueling a "silent pandemic" of deaths caused by AMR.

Dr. Dang Thi Thanh Son, Head of the Department of Veterinary Public Health (Viet Nam Institute of Animal and Veterinary Sciences), reports that the AMR landscape in Vietnam's livestock sector is increasing across various bacterial groups. According to recent studies, resistance rates among bacteria prioritized for active or passive monitoring under the National Surveillance Program have all recorded an upward trajectory.

Alarmingly, "key" bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus are not only causing diseases in livestock but also primary pathogens associated with food safety risks.

Further analysis by Dr. Dang Thi Thanh Son emphasized that food safety and antimicrobial resistance are closely interconnected and cannot be separated within the food production-consumption chain. According to her, the risks go beyond food poisoning; when bacteria carry multidrug resistance traits, common foodborne illnesses can become more complicated, prolong treatment, and even threaten lives.

“Controlling antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is an early line of defense for food safety. Reducing the emergence and spread of resistant strains also means lowering the risk of foodborne illness and improving treatment outcomes when disease occurs,” Dr. Son stressed.

Although Viet Nam’s current regulations on antibiotic use largely align with WOAH recommendations, enforcement has yet to meet expectations. Dr. Son frankly acknowledged that the overuse of antibiotics for disease prevention remains common in many households and farms. Preventive, uncontrolled use not only increases production costs but also accelerates the development of resistant bacteria.

In addition, there is a lack of linkage between laboratory systems and field practices. Analytical results and laboratory warnings are not promptly translated into concrete actions at the farm level. Meanwhile, veterinary personnel at the grassroots level remain scarce and often lack specialized training in AMR surveillance and management.

To address the issue at its root, Dr. Dang Thi Thanh Son emphasized the need for a systemic approach rather than isolated solutions. The first priority is to strengthen linkages between laboratories and livestock farms to ensure continuous and effective detection, monitoring, and early warning. At the same time, greater investment is needed to enhance the capacity of veterinary personnel at all levels, especially at the local level - where management measures are directly implemented.

Another key solution is to promote public-private partnerships, in which enterprises take a more proactive role, working closely with farms and laboratory systems under the coordination of state management agencies.

Dr. Son also highlighted the crucial role of research institutes and universities in providing scientific evidence, technical guidance, and human resource training. Developing targeted intervention programs at the farm level will help farmers ensure food safety while effectively controlling the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

“Monitoring and controlling antimicrobial resistance is no longer an issue for a single country, it is a global challenge that requires collective action. I hope that through multi-sectoral collaboration, the rise of antimicrobial resistance can be gradually contained, thereby protecting livestock and public health,” the livestock and veterinary expert noted.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a top global public health threat, directly causing over 1.1 million deaths annually and contributing to nearly 5 million, with projections suggesting 39 million deaths from 2025 to 2050.