Global alert for antimicrobial resistance in livestock farming

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the most critical global challenges in both health and agriculture. The overuse of antibiotics in livestock farming not only increases production costs and reduces the effectiveness of animal disease treatments but also leads to residue in food, endangering human health. Vietnam is currently one of the nations severely impacted by this issue, with alarming levels of drug resistance detected in livestock farms.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Vo Thi Tra An from the Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine at Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, one person dies globally every minute due to AMR-related causes. In 2019 alone, AMR was the direct cause of 1.27 million deaths and was associated with nearly 5 million other fatalities. These figures indicate that antimicrobial resistance is spiraling out of control.

Recent studies in Vietnam show that up to 82% of livestock waste samples contain drug-resistant genes. Notably, common pathogenic bacterial strains, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Clostridium, and Staphylococcus aureus, isolated from meat, milk, eggs, and cattle, exhibit a 60 - 80% resistance rate to common antibiotics.

"Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem, but it is also peculiar to Vietnam. If not controlled, the consequence will be a loss of food safety and even the loss of numerous export markets", warned Dr. Vo Thi Tra An.

In response to this crisis, many experts and businesses are exploring replacing antibiotics with more sustainable solutions. Ngo Quoc Cuong, General Director of R.E.P Biotechnology Joint Stock Company, stated that the application of probiotics (beneficial microorganisms added to feed or drinking water to improve gut health) has shown promising results.

"Probiotics help balance the intestinal microbiota, boosting the immunity of the livestock. This, in turn, reduces the need for antibiotics, and when applied correctly, can cut the quantity of antibiotics used by 30 to 40% while maintaining productivity", Mr. Cuong emphasized.

Beyond probiotics, various supplementary solutions are being adopted, including enzymes, organic acids, herbal medicines, enhanced vaccination, and biosecurity management. While these measures do not eliminate the need for antibiotics entirely, they significantly curb misuse and foster a more sustainable livestock model.

From a regulatory standpoint, Vietnam has issued a Circular on veterinary drug management, moving toward a ban on using antibiotics for disease prevention in animal feed by the end of 2022. This represents a crucial step in cracking down on antibiotic abuse; however, there are still significant gaps in practical implementation.

Small-scale farmers often lack the necessary resources, technology, and knowledge, making the transition to low-antibiotic farming models challenging. Experts argue that in addition to the legal framework, there is an urgent need for support mechanisms, training, and incentives to encourage the adoption of good practice models, enabling farmers to change their habits.

According to Dr. Vo Thi Tra An, controlling antibiotics means using them judiciously, combined with alternative solutions like probiotics, vaccines, and herbal medicines, to reduce drug pressure while ensuring productivity. AMR is not solely a veterinary issue but a threat to public health, requiring coordination from management agencies, the scientific community, businesses, and farmers. Only when awareness changes and alternative solutions are widely applied can the livestock industry move toward safety, sustainability, and international integration.

Faced with alarming rates of drug-resistant bacteria, the Vietnamese government approved the National Strategy for AMR Prevention and Control (2023 - 2045). This plan adopts a "One Health" approach, mandating coordinated action across public health, animal husbandry, and the environment.

Despite issuing a ban on using antibiotics for disease prevention in feed, effective implementation remains challenging. Small-scale farmers, a crucial segment of the industry, often lack the capital and technical expertise to adopt rigorous biosecurity measures and costly alternatives like probiotics.

Experts warn that successful AMR control is vital for long-term economic stability. Failure to meet strict international standards on antibiotic use and residue threatens the loss of key export markets and drives up production costs due to recurrent treatment failures.