Over the past 100 years, antibiotics have worked miracles and saved millions of lives.
However, in recent years, antibiotics have become increasingly ineffective as micro-organisms have evolved to resist them. This is known as antibiotic or antimicrobial resistance.
For decades, antibiotics were used in livestock production, the reasons being twofold: to treat and prevent health problems such as respiratory diseases and other bacterial infections, as well as to promote faster growth. This overuse and misuse of antibiotics has resulted in further accelerating the resistance to antibiotics. The acceleration of resistance means that the same infections that were previously treated with antibiotics, no longer respond to antibiotic treatment.
Thus, these infections are more persistent and even life-threatening today. Antibiotic resistance has the potential to become the greatest problem in the livestock production sector if no new antibiotics are developed or if no other solutions are found.
When the global livestock industry first became aware of antibiotic resistance and the severity of this issue, the consensus was to reduce or eliminate the use of antibiotics. Misuse or overuse aside, antibiotics have become a major and critical broad-spectrum solution in industry.
However, according to research done by Dr Richard Murphy from Alltech, reducing or eliminating antibiotics does not reduce antibiotic resistance in microbes that are a concern for human health, such as E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter.
Esta historia es de la edición 19 April 2024 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición 19 April 2024 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.