Reducing antibiotic dependence towards sustainable livestock production

Boehringer Ingelheim Viet Nam recently collaborated with Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh City and Viet Nam National University of Agriculture (Hanoi) to organize a series of seminars and a run titled “ENTERathon—The Productivity Race: From Farm Health to Public Health.”

The event attracted nearly 800 participants, including veterinarians, technical staff, farm owners, lecturers, and students in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. It served as a platform to connect the community and share proactive disease prevention solutions, strengthen biosecurity, reduce antibiotic dependence, and promote sustainable livestock development.

Antimicrobial resistance - a global threat

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria no longer respond to antibiotics, mainly due to the overuse and misuse of these drugs in both humans and animals. This makes infections harder to treat, increases the risk of death, and prolongs hospital stays and healthcare costs.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR is one of the ten most serious global health threats of the 21st century, causing 1.27 million deaths and contributing to nearly 5 million more in 2019. The World Bank projects that without urgent action, global healthcare costs could rise by an additional USD 1 trillion by 2050.

Associate Professor Dr. Le Khac Bao, Director of the Center for Medical Education and Deputy Director of the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, stated: “Antimicrobial resistance is escalating rapidly due to improper antibiotic use and poor infection control. As a result, many infections have become more difficult to treat, increasing the risk of mortality. A global study estimates that AMR could cause over 39 million deaths by 2050.”

In Viet Nam, antibiotic use remains alarmingly high. According to WHO, 75% of global antibiotics are used in livestock. In Viet Nam alone, over 2,751 tons are consumed annually, with the pig farming sector accounting for around 1,600 tons - exceeding human medical use at 1,086 tons.

This has led to resistance among many pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Streptococcus suis, posing serious risks to both animals and humans. Consequences can include allergies, gut microbiome disorders, and, in cases of banned antibiotic use, even genetic mutations or cancer.

Viet Nam currently has a pig population of approximately 26.5 million, ranking sixth worldwide. However, many farmers still administer antibiotics without veterinary guidance or use excessive doses for prolonged periods.

Associate Professor Dr. Vo Thi Tra An, senior lecturer at Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized: “Antibiotics critical for human treatment should be restricted or avoided in veterinary use. In addition, clear data on bacterial resistance levels is essential to select the most effective antibiotics for treatment.”

Government takes action, businesses join forces

The Vietnamese government has issued the “National Strategy on Antimicrobial Resistance Prevention and Control for 2023-2030, with a vision to 2045.” The strategy emphasizes controlling veterinary drug use, monitoring antibiotic residues, and promoting alternative solutions.

Since 2018, Viet Nam has banned the use of antibiotics as growth promoters. By January 1, 2026, the use of antibiotics for disease prevention in livestock will be completely prohibited. This policy aligns with the WHO’s “One Health” approach, linking human and animal health with the environment to ensure food safety from farm to table.

Amid rising antimicrobial resistance, proactive disease prevention through vaccination offers a sustainable solution. Experience from the Netherlands shows that over 14 years, antibiotic use in livestock decreased by 70% while productivity significantly increased.

International studies also demonstrate that the PCV2 vaccine can reduce antibiotic use for respiratory diseases by over 50%. The oral Enterisol® Ileitis vaccine can cut antibiotic use for ileitis prevention and treatment by up to 79%, even completely replacing Tylosin.

According to Mr. Nguyen Cong Huy, Technical Director of Boehringer Ingelheim Viet Nam, the post-weaning period is when pigs are most susceptible to disease, accounting for up to 80% of antibiotic use. “Fortunately, most major pig diseases have effective vaccines. Early immunity in pigs significantly reduces the need for antibiotics,” he said.

Mr. Huy added that gut health is the foundation of herd productivity. “Boehringer Ingelheim’s Enterisol® oral live vaccine provides dual protection, both mucosal and cellular immunity, while causing no animal stress.”

According to the Technical Director of Boehringer Ingelheim Viet Nam, this is part of the company’s five strategic goals to reduce antibiotic use: strengthening biosecurity, enhancing herd immunity, improving nutrition, applying antibiotic alternatives, and early disease diagnostics.

Reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting the livestock sector, Mr. Niklas Birkner, General Director of Boehringer Ingelheim Viet Nam, emphasized: “Healthy animals mean healthier people. Boehringer Ingelheim will continue providing advanced vaccine solutions to help farmers maintain productivity, ensure food safety, and join the fight against antimicrobial resistance.”