A new study warns that the animals we consume could be the source of a future pandemic, driven by the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
This situation could lead to the spread of deadly superbugs that are resistant to antibiotics, posing a severe threat to global health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050, drug-resistant diseases could cause up to 10 million deaths each year. Researchers have highlighted this growing public health challenge in a study published in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology, focusing on the food animal industry in Southeast Asia.
This issue is especially relevant to Australia, which has close ties with Southeast Asian countries.
Professor Rajaraman Eri, a bioscientist and Associate Dean of Biosciences and Food Technology at RMIT University in Australia, co-authored the study along with microbiologist Dr. Charmaine Lloyd and public policy expert Dr. Pushpanathan Sundram. They warn that antimicrobial resistance could spark a major pandemic in the future.
“We are facing a global crisis where antibiotics may no longer work effectively,” said Professor Eri, who is also a veterinarian. “If this happens, we will be unable to treat infections, leading to potentially deadly outcomes.”
Southeast Asia is identified as a hotspot for antimicrobial resistance in animals, with millions of livestock, including chickens, ducks, cattle, and pigs, at risk of developing resistance due to the widespread use of antibiotics. These animals are a critical source of food and income for many people in the region, but the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial drugs in farming practices have accelerated the spread of resistance.
Dr. Lloyd from RMIT’s School of Science explained that antibiotics used on farms can end up in the food, soil, water, and animal waste, contributing to the development of resistant bacteria. These resistant bacteria can then be transmitted to humans through the food chain or direct contact with animals, creating a significant health risk.
The study also differentiates between “resistance” and “residue” in food animals. Resistance occurs when bacteria become immune to the effects of antibiotics, while residues are remnants of drugs, pesticides, or other chemicals that remain in animal tissues after treatment. Both pose risks to human health, with residues potentially containing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The research team offered six key recommendations for policymakers in Southeast Asian countries to combat antimicrobial resistance:
- Understand the difference between residue and resistance to apply the right interventions.
- Collaborate regionally to develop strategies for managing disease outbreaks and environmental concerns.
- Launch awareness campaigns and enforce regulations to promote responsible use of antimicrobials.
- Encourage international cooperation to tackle resistance and residue on a global scale.
- Strengthen public health systems to better prepare for future threats.
- Invest in research for alternative antimicrobial solutions and sustainable farming practices.
In Australia, strict regulations help control the use of antibiotics in animals, but the global situation is far less regulated. The study calls for urgent international action to prevent the rise of a pandemic fueled by drug-resistant superbugs.
