‘Eat an egg daily’ – advises the nutrition expert. But can it create problem in treatment, if you get affected by a bacterial disease?
Welcome to the world of antibiotics usage in poultry farming.
Developed countries has tried to regulate this usage to some extent. But In India, this usage is rising at an alarming rate. In fact, the use of antibiotics in chickens is expected to triple in India by 2030 compared to 2015 as a consequence of the increasing consumer demands and intensive farming practices – this fact has been mentioned in a collaborative research study, published this year, by Toxics Link, an environmental research organisation.
Toxics Link conducted a collaborative study with ‘World Animal Protection’, a global non-profit, to highlight the challenges relating to the issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in poultry in India. The results indicated the potential for the development and spread of AMR due to the overuse of antibiotics.
In an another research survey this year, published in One health, a scientific journal, by Garima Sharma and others, poultry farmers in India have been found to be mostly unaware of the overall impact of antibiotics, despite its frequent usage.
History of Antibiotics usage in poultry farming
The introduction of antibiotics in poultry farming can be traced back to the 1940s when the first growth-promoting effects of antibiotics were discovered. Farmers and agricultural scientists observed that adding antibiotics to poultry feed resulted not only in the treatment and prevention of diseases but also in accelerated growth rates and improved feed conversion.
The initial benefits of using antibiotics were profound; they helped maintain large-scale poultry production by preventing bacterial infections, thereby reducing mortality rates and increasing overall farm productivity. It was this dual advantage of therapeutic and non-therapeutic use that led to the widespread adoption of antibiotics in the industry. By the 1950s, the practice had become standardized, with antibiotics becoming a staple in poultry farming operations across the globe.
The 1960s and 1970s saw an increase in antibiotic types, with advancements in pharmaceuticals making a variety of formulations available to farmers. However, by the late 20th century, growing concerns about antibiotic resistance—a consequence of the overuse and misuse of antibiotics—began to influence regulatory approaches. In the 1980s and 1990s, scientific research increasingly pointed to links between the routine use of antibiotics in agriculture and the emergence of resistant bacterial strains.
Changing regulations have had a significant impact on the usage patterns of antibiotics in poultry farming. In 2006, the European Union banned the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feed, a policy echoed by many countries subsequently. The United States followed suit with tighter restrictions, including the implementation of the Veterinary Feed Directive in 2017, which mandates veterinary oversight for the use of certain antibiotics.
A review paper, published in Scientific African, a peer reviewed journal, in March 2023 by Benedict Owusu-Doubreh, William Ofori Appaw and Vincent Abe-Inge, indicated the consumption of eggs containing antibiotic residues above Maximum residue limit are likely to cause some negative health effects among consumers. Such a study reinforces the need of strong regulation.
Thus, scientific advances have also influenced the evolving regulations, with ongoing research aimed at finding sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. The historical context illustrates that while antibiotics initially revolutionized poultry farming, their use has become increasingly scrutinized, leading to a complex interplay of benefits, risks, and regulatory responses that continue to shape the industry today.
Pros and Cons of Using Antibiotics in Poultry Farming
The use of antibiotics in poultry farming comes with a variety of benefits that can significantly influence the efficiency and profitability of poultry operations. One of the primary advantages is disease prevention. Antibiotics are effective in controlling and preventing outbreaks of bacterial infections, thereby ensuring the health of the flock. This prophylactic usage not only reduces morbidity and mortality rates among poultry but also minimizes the economic losses associated with large-scale disease outbreaks.
Another major benefit is the improvement in growth rates. Certain antibiotics function as growth promoters, enhancing the feed conversion ratio. This means that poultry can achieve target weights more rapidly with less feed intake, thereby optimizing production costs. This increased productivity translates into economic gains for farmers, who can achieve higher outputs with relatively lower investments in feed and veterinary care. The economic benefits are clear, as the cost-efficiency associated with better health and faster growth rates makes antibiotic use an attractive option for many poultry producers.
However, the use of antibiotics in poultry farming is not without its disadvantages. A significant concern is the potential for antibiotic resistance. The overuse or misuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of drug-resistant bacteria, which can pose serious health risks to both animals and humans. These resistant strains can spread through various channels, including animal products and the environment, complicating treatment of bacterial infections and undermining public health efforts.
Environmental concerns also arise from the widespread use of antibiotics. Residues can leach into soil and water systems, contributing to ecological imbalances and affecting non-target organisms. Additionally, there are ethical considerations related to animal welfare. Critics of antibiotic use argue that it can lead to intensive farming practices, where the focus is more on productivity than the well-being of the animals. They advocate for more sustainable and humane practices that do not rely on routine antibiotic use.
In conclusion, while antibiotics offer substantial benefits in terms of disease prevention, growth promotion, and economic advantages, they also present significant risks. Issues such as antibiotic resistance, environmental contamination, and animal welfare concerns highlight the need for careful consideration and responsible use of antibiotics in poultry farming.
Impact of Antibiotic Use in Poultry on Human Health
The use of antibiotics in poultry farming has far-reaching consequences on human health, primarily through the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When antibiotics are administered to poultry, whether for growth promotion or disease prevention, they can contribute to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria. These resistant bacteria can survive and proliferate, rendering the commonly used antibiotics less effective against infections. This resistance can then be transferred from poultry to humans through various pathways, such as direct contact with the animals, consumption of undercooked or contaminated meat, and environmental exposure through agricultural runoff.
The risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria being transferred to humans is a significant concern in public health. Once transferred, these bacteria can cause infections that are difficult to treat, leading to prolonged illnesses, increased medical costs, and higher mortality rates. Notably, studies have shown that bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, which can develop resistance through antibiotic use in poultry, pose severe threats to human health. Infected individuals may require more potent antibiotics, which can have more severe side effects and are often more expensive.
Scientific research has underscored the urgency of this issue. Numerous studies and expert opinions indicate that the overuse of antibiotics in poultry farming plays a substantial role in the global rise of antibiotic-resistant infections. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have highlighted the critical need to control antibiotic usage in farming to mitigate this risk.
There are several strategies to address this issue. Improved farm management practices, such as implementing stringent biosecurity measures and employing vaccination programs, can reduce the reliance on antibiotics. Additionally, exploring alternative treatments like probiotics, prebiotics, and phytogenic feed additives offers promising solutions to enhance poultry health without contributing to antibiotic resistance.
In conclusion, the impact of antibiotic use in poultry on human health is profound, necessitating urgent measures to manage and mitigate these risks. By adopting sustainable farming practices and innovative treatments, it is possible to safeguard both animal and human health.
Types of Antibiotics Used in Poultry Farming for Increased Production
The use of antibiotics in poultry farming to enhance growth and production involves several specific categories. Among these, tetracyclines, macrolides, and ionophores are particularly significant due to their widespread application and distinct mechanisms of action.
Tetracyclines, such as oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline, are commonly administered for their broad-spectrum antibacterial effects. These antibiotics work by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thus preventing the spread of infection and promoting growth in poultry. Due to their effectiveness, tetracyclines are often used as both treatment and preventive measures against bacterial diseases.
Macrolides, including erythromycin and tylosin, are another prominent group. These antibiotics impede bacterial protein biosynthesis by targeting the bacterial ribosome, consequently controlling respiratory and enteric diseases in poultry. Their utilization enhances the overall health of the flock, leading to improved weight gain and feed efficiency.
Ionophores, such as monensin, salinomycin, and lasalocid, differ significantly from traditional antibiotics. Ionophores disrupt ion transport across cell membranes in certain bacteria and coccidia, an intestinal parasite. By curbing the proliferation of these pathogens, ionophores help in maintaining gut health and optimizing nutrient absorption, which is crucial for growth promotion in poultry.
The administration of these antibiotics is subject to stringent regulatory guidelines to mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance and ensure food safety. Regulatory frameworks such as the United States’ Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) and European Union regulations impose restrictions and conditions for antibiotic use in animal farming. These regulations vary by country but share common goals of safeguarding public health and preserving antibiotic efficacy.
An understanding of these antibiotic categories and their regulated use underscores the complexity and significance of regulatory efforts. It highlights an ongoing balance between optimizing poultry production and addressing public health concerns related to antibiotic resistance.
What research studies tell about India
Toxics Link conducted a collaborative study with World Animal Protection (WAP) to highlight the challenges relating to the issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in poultry in India. The study assessed the level of AMR in poultry by quantifying Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARGs) in environmental matrices from the samples collected from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The results revealed a concerning presence of ARGs, indicating the potential for the development and spread of AMR. This study further underscores the urgent need for surveillance to address the impact of antimicrobial overuse, under the purview of the One Health Policy, in India.
Toxics Link is an Indian environmental research and advocacy organization, engaged in disseminating information to help strengthen the campaign against toxics pollution, provide cleaner alternatives and bring together groups and people affected by this problem.
World Animal Protection is a globally operating organization committed to safeguarding animals from suffering caused by human activities. Operating in over 50 nations, its mission encompasses various facets of animal welfare, including farming, disasters, wildlife, and community welfare.
In another research survey, published in ‘One health’, a scientific journal, in 2024 by Garima Sharma and others, the awareness and usage of antibiotics in poultry farming have been assessed. The poultry farmers have been interviewed on antibiotic usage, antibiotic knowledge, feeding practices, and preventive measures on the farm. The veterinarians of Poultry farmers have also been interviewed on knowledge and practices related to antimicrobial use in poultry and antimicrobial resistance. This survey is having a small sample size and that too in only two states – Assam and Karnataka. Still it is relevant for the big picture in India, as its conclusion is itself an eye-opener –
“The poultry farmers are mostly unaware of the relation between antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Despite being aware, their veterinarians agree with use antibiotics as a prophylactic measure. It is vital that these stakeholders understand the repercussions of such widespread antibiotic use.”
