FAO Warns Antimicrobial Resistance Threatens Future of Dairy and Livestock Production

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has warned that antimicrobial resistance poses a growing threat to global food security, livestock production and public health.

In a new report presented in Rome, FAO said antimicrobial use in livestock could rise by nearly 30 percent by 2040 as demand for animal-source foods continues to increase. The organisation warned that the long-term impact of rising antimicrobial resistance could result in livestock production losses worth about 318 billion dollars by 2040.

According to the report, global livestock output is expected to increase by about 23 percent over the same period, driven mainly by growth in poultry and milk production.

FAO said the overuse of antimicrobials provides short-term productivity benefits but could lead to much larger economic losses in the future. The agency called for stronger regulation, improved veterinary services, better disease surveillance and greater use of alternatives such as vaccination, biosecurity measures and improved animal husbandry.

The report noted that Asia and the Pacific are expected to remain the largest users of livestock antimicrobials by 2040, while Africa is projected to record one of the fastest growth rates in usage.

FAO said coordinated action and investment are needed to ensure responsible antimicrobial use and protect the long-term sustainability of livestock and dairy production worldwide.