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White paper: Antimicrobial resistance in the animal sector in India

Year of publication 2024

Place of publication New Delhi, India ;

Pages 32 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Booklet

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cc9535en

Synopsis (short abstract) The phenomenon in which bacteria do not respond to antibiotics, when given in accordance with standard treatment guidelines, is called antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It leads to prolonged treatment, longer infectivity of the patient, use of additional and expensive investigations and potentially toxic drugs, and huge economic cost to the patient, society, and the country. AMR has been developing rapidly against even newly discovered antibiotics. The bacteria are versatile and ingenious in developing a plethora of defence mechanisms against antibiotics. Many bacterial species have accumulated resistance to multiple drugs. These are known as multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms and in layman language as “superbugs”. The spectrum and reach of MDR pathogens have been rapidly increasing. AMR in animal pathogens makes disease treatments ineffective, increases the severity of the disease, reduces productivity and leads to economic losses. In addition, more than half the quantity of antimicrobials used in animals/fish is excreted as waste contaminating soil, water and the environment. This also contributes to the emergence and spread of AMR through selection pressure on microorganisms in the environment. Besides, antimicrobial usage can lead to antimicrobials residues in the edible animal/fish products which are a public health risk.

Last updated date 12/06/2024, see Corrigendum 

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2024. White paper: Antimicrobial resistance in the animal sector in India. New Delhi.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cc9535en

Language English

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