UN Warns Livestock Antibiotic Use Could Increase 30% by 2040

The United Nations has warned that antibiotic use in livestock could increase by nearly 30 percent by 2040 unless governments introduce stronger measures to regulate their use.

According to a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization, more than 143,000 tonnes of antimicrobial drugs could be used in livestock annually by 2040, exceeding previous peak levels recorded in 2013.

The report states that livestock farming accounts for almost three-quarters of global antimicrobial use. In some countries, antibiotics are still used to promote animal growth and are not closely monitored, raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance.

Experts say increasing resistance to antibiotics is making some diseases harder to treat and could lead to significant economic losses in livestock production and public health. The report estimates that losses in the livestock sector alone could reach 318 billion dollars by 2040.

However, the FAO says the trend can be reversed through better farming practices, improved disease prevention and reduced reliance on antibiotics for growth promotion.

The organisation is urging governments to strengthen regulations and promote responsible antibiotic use to help slow the spread of drug-resistant infections.