Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals

The application of antimicrobials has been instrumental in enhancing human health, animal health and food security; however, the application of antimicrobials triggers antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that is posing increasing public health threat to animal health, food security and human health. Producers of food animals hold an exceptional responsibility in the prevention of misuse of antimicrobials in purposes of growth promotion and disease prevention; however, emerging legislations have not elicited a very positive reception in groups of animal farming. There are national, regional, and international strategies for the containment of AMR; however, efforts by the World Health Organization, United Nations and the European Union trying to reduce and control the use of antimicrobials in animals within developing countries have been ineffective.This means that the One Health approach is appropriate for the issue by providing a multisectoral and multipronged approach. Also, there is a need to carry out a cross-sectional satisfaction survey among food animal producers with a view of measuring their satisfaction levels with the available AMR mitigation policies. The results can be used to guide new policies and awareness campaigns targeted at food animal producers.