ISSUE FOCUS 36 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE February 2025 Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat, leading to resistant infections, higher mortality rates, and reduced productivity. Without intervention, AMR could cause over 39 million deaths by 2050. Governments are tightening regulations on antimicrobial use, with over 140 countries committing to reductions, indicating a trend towards stricter controls. Growing demand for antibiotic-free (ABF) products is pushing producers to adopt better biosecurity, vaccination programs, and alternatives like probiotics and prebiotics. The industry has reduced antimicrobial use significantly, with a 44% decrease in the EU from 2014 to 2021, showing the positive impact of these efforts. “Antimicrobials help animals and humans live longer and healthier lives, but many of these life-saving drugs are dangerously losing their efficacy, which has devastating impacts not only on human health, but also on livestock and the economy at large,” said WOAH Director General Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran during the 79th UNGA High level meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in September 2024. To help future generations treat infections and live longer, we must preserve antimicrobial effectiveness. Partnering with international organizations is essential in this regard. At the same time, the animal industry faces the challenge of feeding a growing population, with the demand for animal protein expected to increase by 70% by 2050. Meeting this demand sustainably requires innovative solutions that support high farm productivity while prioritizing environmental and animal health standards as well as AMR reduction strategies. THE LOOMING DANGER Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global threat, impacting both human and animal health. It leads to resistant infections, prolonged illnesses, higher mortality rates and reduced productivity. A recent publication in The Lancet warns that antibiotic-resistant infections could lead to over 39 million deaths between now and 2050 if current trends continue without substantial intervention. The widespread use and misuse of antimicrobials contributes to this crisis, threatening food security and economic stability, especially in low-income countries. UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES Though the leading cause of antimicrobial resistance in humans is the antimicrobial consumption by humans, antimicrobial resistance is a global One Health challenge, necessitating responsible antimicrobial use across humans, animals, and plants. High prevalence of resistant bacteria in the wild animals and the environment provide clear evidence that anTACKLING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN FARM ANIMALS Nataliya Roth Science Advocacy & Global Trial Manager dsm-firmenich
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