Public health experts have warned that even healthy livestock can transmit drug-resistant bacteria to humans through contaminated food, water and direct contact, highlighting the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
According to health specialists, animals do not need to appear sick before carrying bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. These microorganisms can spread during food production, through contaminated water sources, or while handling livestock, posing risks to both farmers and consumers.
Experts identified the inappropriate use of antibiotics in agriculture as one of the leading drivers of antimicrobial resistance. The routine or unnecessary use of antibiotics in food-producing animals allows bacteria to develop resistance, making common infections increasingly difficult to treat in humans.
They stressed that antibiotics should only be administered to animals under proper veterinary guidance and not as a substitute for good hygiene, disease prevention or improved farming practices.
Health authorities also urged consumers to adopt safe food-handling habits, including thoroughly cooking meat, practising proper hand hygiene after handling raw animal products and preventing cross-contamination in kitchens.
Antimicrobial resistance has become a major global public health challenge, with experts warning that preserving the effectiveness of life-saving antibiotics requires coordinated action across human health, veterinary medicine and agriculture.
They called for stronger regulation of antibiotic use in livestock production, improved surveillance of resistant bacteria and greater awareness among farmers to help curb the spread of drug-resistant infections.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
