Researchers have warned that the animals we eat could become a major source of pandemics due to antimicrobial resistance, sparking a wave of deadly superbugs. The World Health Organisation predicts that drug-resistant diseases could kill 10 million people a year by 2050. One study has highlighted Southeast Asia as a key region for this issue, with researchers from RMIT University making six key policy recommendations for ASEAN countries to tackle antimicrobial resistance and residues in food animals. Credit: SciTechDaily.com
Researchers point to the risk of a pandemic of antimicrobial resistance originating from food animals in Southeast Asia affecting global health and suggest solutions, including better policies, international cooperation and innovative agricultural practices, to combat this threat.
Researchers have warned that the animals we eat could be a gateway for pandemics caused by antibiotic resistance, sparking a wave of deadly superbugs.
The World Health Organization estimates that drug-resistant diseases could cause up to 10 million deaths per year by 2050.
The researchers analysed the public health and food security challenges in the food animal industry in Southeast Asia for the International Journal of Food Science and Technology.
This challenge also concerns Australia, which has strong political, economic and social ties with countries in the region. Earlier this year, Australia marked 50 years of engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at a special summit in Melbourne.
The paper was co-authored by bioscientist Professor Rajaraman Eli and microbiologist Dr Charmaine Lloyd, both of RMIT University in Australia, and public policy expert Dr Pushpanathan Sundram from Thailand.
“We're looking at a major pandemic waiting to happen in the form of antimicrobial resistance,” says Eli, who is also a veterinarian and associate dean of biological sciences and food technology at RMIT.
“The world will face a situation where we run out of antibiotics and we will not be able to treat infections.”
Antibiotic hotspots and livestock statistics
Asia is a hotspot for animal antibiotic resistance, with Southeast Asia in particular being the epicentre, the team said.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the region is home to more than 2.9 billion chickens, 258 million ducks, 7 million cattle, 15.4 million buffaloes, 77.5 million pigs, 13.7 million sheep and 30.6 million goats.
“Livestock provides employment and additional income, mainly to small-scale farmers, improves household diets and nutritional security, and contributes to food and economic prosperity in countries,” said Sundram, who contributed to the study while at Chiang Mai University in Thailand.
This research paper highlights the challenges of antimicrobial resistance and animal persistence in Southeast Asia and points out the need to distinguish between the two concepts.
Resistance occurs when microorganisms develop resistance to the antimicrobial agents they have been exposed to.
“On farms, antibiotics present in food, soil, runoff and animal waste can contribute to the development of resistance,” said Lloyd, from RMIT's School of Science.
Linking human and animal health
“Overuse and misuse of antibiotics, especially those intended to promote growth in healthy animals, has led to increasing rates of resistance.
“This transmission pathway highlights the link between human and animal health and the need to address antimicrobial resistance in food animals, as resistant bacteria in animals can be transmitted to humans through the food chain or by direct contact.”
Food animal residues are residues of drugs, pesticides, or other chemicals that remain in the animal's tissues or products after it has been administered or exposed to these substances.
“Veterinary drug residues generally result from the excessive or improper use of antimicrobials, growth promoters and other veterinary medicines in livestock farming settings,” Eli said.
“Despite efforts to regulate the use of antimicrobials in the region, there are growing concerns over the consumption of products containing antimicrobial residues that may impact human health through the presence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and pathogens in the host,” Sundram said.
“In Australia we have good policies in place to address antimicrobial resistance and in particular antibiotic use is well regulated,” Eli said.
“But that's not the case at a global level. In many countries, anyone can buy antibiotics, whether for human or animal use.”
Policy Recommendations
The team makes six recommendations to policymakers in ASEAN countries to address antimicrobial resistance and residues in food animals.
Recognize the difference between residues and resistance and address the challenge of resistance with appropriate interventions in food animals in Southeast Asia; Collaborate regionally to develop tailored strategies to address disease outbreaks, environmental issues, residue levels and antimicrobial resistance; Implement country-specific awareness campaigns, strong residue and resistance surveillance, appropriate regulations and responsible antimicrobial use to reduce resistance risks; Ensure a united front against both residues and resistance, and foster international collaboration and initiatives to comprehensively address resistance; Strengthen public health systems and preparedness; Foster innovation and research in alternative antimicrobial solutions, sustainable agricultural practices and advanced diagnostics to stay ahead of evolving challenges.
Reference: “Addressing Residues and Resistance in Food Animals: Policy Imperatives in Southeast Asia” by Pushpanathan Sundram, Charmaine Lloyd and Rajaraman Eri, 21 August 2024, International Journal of Food Science & Technology.
DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.17063
