Influence of Poultry Farming on Antimicrobial Drug Resistance

Abstract

Poultry farming goes beyond just providing food for populations; it also plays a significant role in influencing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses a growing threat to the health of both humans and animals. The chapter delves into the multifaceted relationship between these two domains. It analyzes the extensive use of antibiotics in poultry production for growth promotion, disease prevention, and treatment, which creates selective pressures fostering the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. This endangers animal welfare and raises the risk of transmitting resistance to humans via food. The disposal of poultry waste contaminates soil and water with antibiotics and resistant bacteria, worsening the spread of resistance genes. Strategies to mitigate AMR include improving biosecurity, vaccination, and management practices. The chapter underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to combat AMR effectively, emphasizing interdisciplinary research to comprehend the complex factors driving its emergence and dissemination. This chapter provides an inclusive analysis of how poultry farming influences AMR, laying the groundwork for sustainable solutions to protect food security and public health.