CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
A recent Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) study has projected that if preventive measures are not adopted, global antibiotic consumption in livestock could increase by 30% by 2040. This would bring the total usage to 143,481 tons, up from 110,777 tons recorded in 2019. However, the research also indicates that implementing efficient livestock management and improved productivity strategies could significantly reduce this increase, potentially bringing antibiotic usage down to 62,000 tons.
Strategies To Minimize Antibiotic Usage
To mitigate the excessive use of antibiotics in animal farming, the FAO suggests:
Enhancing animal health and biosecurity measures to prevent infections naturally.
Improving farm management practices and productivity to reduce dependence on antibiotics.
Implementing better hygiene, sanitation, and waste disposal methods to curb the spread of diseases.
Encouraging the use of vaccines, probiotics, and natural feed additives as alternatives to antibiotics.
Strengthening policies and regulations to monitor and control antimicrobial usage in livestock production.
Antibiotic Consumption Across Different Regions (2019 Data)
The use of antibiotics in livestock varies globally, with some regions contributing significantly more to the total consumption:
Asia-Pacific: 64.6% (highest usage)
South America: 19%
Africa: 5.7%
North America: 5.5%
Europe: 5.2%
These figures highlight the pressing need for region-specific interventions to regulate antibiotic use and encourage sustainable livestock management.
Global Efforts To Reduce Antibiotic Use In Livestock
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2024, stressing the importance of reducing antibiotic use in food systems by 2030 to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The declaration underscores the need for collaborative efforts, sustainable policies, and financial support to address this challenge effectively.
Key Objectives Of UN AMR Declaration
Lowering AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030. Currently, antimicrobial resistance is responsible for approximately 4.95 million deaths worldwide per year.
Securing an initial funding of $100 million to help at least 60% of countries develop well-structured AMR action plans.
Mobilizing additional financial resources for the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund to support global efforts.
Ensuring that at least 70% of antibiotics used in human medicine come from the WHO’s “Access” category, which consists of antibiotics with a lower risk of promoting resistance.
Establishing the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat (FAO, WHO, WOAH, and UNEP) as the central coordinating body for tackling antimicrobial resistance globally.
FAO’s RENOFARM Initiative: A Sustainable Approach To AMR Reduction
To complement the UN’s AMR Declaration, the FAO introduced the Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation (RENOFARM) initiative in 2024. This 10-year global program aims to:
Provide policy recommendations for reducing antibiotic dependence.
Deliver technical expertise to improve sustainable livestock farming practices.
Support training and capacity-building efforts to enable a smooth transition to antibiotic-free livestock management.
Farm 5Gs Strategy: Core Actions At Farm Level
The RENOFARM initiative is based on the Farm 5Gs Strategy, which outlines five fundamental approaches to minimize antimicrobial use in agriculture:
Good Health Services – Ensuring timely veterinary care and proper health management to prevent infections.
Good Production Practices – Promoting hygiene, biosecurity, and responsible farming techniques to reduce disease outbreaks.
Good Alternatives – Encouraging the use of vaccines, pest control, and natural feed additives instead of antibiotics.
Good Incentives – Strengthening policies, quality control measures, and supply chains to support sustainable farming.
Good Connection – Enhancing collaboration between farmers, researchers, and policymakers to share knowledge and resources.
Expected Outcomes Of RENOFARM
A sustainable, antibiotic-free livestock production system that supports global food security.
Strengthened AMR National Action Plans worldwide.
Increased participation of the food and agriculture sectors in managing AMR risks.
Support for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Long-Term AMR Reduction Targets By 2035
By 2035, the FAO has set the following objectives to combat antibiotic overuse in livestock:
100 countries actively implementing AMR National Action Plans.
50% of global veterinary and agricultural experts trained in reducing antibiotic dependence.
80% of nations contributing real-time data to FAO’s AMR monitoring system.
These ambitious goals align with the broader vision of ensuring sustainable food production while minimizing antimicrobial resistance risks.
Livestock Biomass Conversion (LBC) Method: A New Approach
A key highlight of the FAO’s study is the Livestock Biomass Conversion (LBC) method, which enhances accuracy in measuring livestock biomass across species and production systems. This method allows policymakers to:
Develop precise antibiotic reduction strategies based on real-time livestock data.
Optimize productivity in animal farming while minimizing antimicrobial use.
Implement improved disease control mechanisms for healthier livestock populations.
The LBC method is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping future policies and frameworks for antibiotic-free livestock management.
Conclusion: Moving Towards A Sustainable Future
The anticipated 30% rise in antibiotic use in livestock by 2040 presents a major challenge to global health and food security. However, the FAO’s research confirms that by adopting better farm management practices, promoting sustainable livestock production, and implementing effective policies, this increase can be reduced by 57%, ensuring lower antimicrobial dependence.
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