What's Happening?
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has issued a warning that global antimicrobial use in livestock is projected to rise by nearly 30% by 2040 compared to 2019 levels. This increase poses a significant threat to food security, livestock output,
economic welfare, and human health due to the worsening of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The FAO's report highlights that Asia and the Pacific are expected to account for nearly 65% of global livestock antimicrobial use, with South America following at 19%. The report also introduces the livestock biomass conversion method to improve transparency in measuring antimicrobial use intensity. The FAO emphasizes the need for integrated policies combining regulation with economic incentives and transitional support to address this issue.
Why It's Important?
The projected increase in antimicrobial use in livestock is a major concern as it could exacerbate antimicrobial resistance, a long-term threat to global health and food security. Antimicrobial resistance can lead to reduced effectiveness of antibiotics, making it harder to treat infections in both humans and animals. This could result in significant economic losses, with the FAO estimating cumulative livestock production losses under a high-AMR pathway could reach $318 billion by 2040. The report calls for international efforts to restrict and phase out antimicrobial growth promoters in livestock production to mitigate these risks.
What's Next?
The FAO urges the implementation of integrated policies that combine regulation with economic incentives and transitional support to reduce antimicrobial use in livestock. This includes investment in veterinary services, surveillance, diagnostics, vaccination, biosecurity, and improved husbandry practices. The report estimates that at least $28.4 billion in transitional investment will be needed to cover the short-term costs of action. The FAO emphasizes the importance of treating antimicrobial effectiveness as a global public good, requiring better alignment between national and farm-level incentives and global benefits.
