Antimicrobial Resistance in Poultry : A Global Concern with Local Solutions

Dr.J.Pothanna, Technical Manager, Trouw Nutrition South Asia

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global health threat that occurs when microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs, reducing the effectiveness of treatments. The increasing prevalence of AMR in poultry has raised concerns about food safety, public health, and economic sustainability. The One Health approach, promoted by organizations like WHO, FAO, and OIE, emphasizes the need for a holistic strategy to combat AMR. This includes responsible antibiotic use, alternative disease prevention methods, improved farm management, and stricter regulations.

Addressing AMR in poultry is essential to ensure sustainable animal production, protect public health, and maintain the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments. A collaborative approach involving farmers, veterinarians, policymakers, and researchers is crucial in mitigating AMR and securing a healthier future for both animals and humans.

Although poultry farming uses relatively fewer antibiotics than other livestock industries, its contribution to AMR remains significant. This is because poultry production involves large-scale farming, rapid bird turnover, and close confinement, creating an environment where antibiotic-resistant bacteria can develop and spread quickly.

Key Factors Contributing to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Poultry.

  • Unregulated antibiotic use (30%) is the leading cause of AMR, as unregulated use allows resistant bacteria to thrive. Lack of veterinary supervision leads to incorrect dosages and prolonged exposure, accelerating resistance.
  • Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) (20%) are added to feed for growth enhancement, but prolonged use fosters resistance. Though banned in many countries, AGPs remain in use in some regions, worsening AMR.
  • Poor hygiene and biosecurity (25%) Encourage bacterial persistence. Contaminated water, improper waste disposal, and cross-contamination through workers and equipment contribute to AMR.
  • Improper antibiotic administration (10%) due to incorrect dosages, mixing antibiotics, and incomplete treatment courses, enabling bacteria to adapt and increasing resistance.
  • Environmental transmission (10%) spreads AMR through contaminated feed, water, and farm surroundings. Wildlife and farm workers act as carriers, transferring resistant bacteria between farms.
  • Global Regulations and Guidelines on AMR –

Regulatory Body

Key Guidelines & Actions

WHO (World Health Organization)

Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR, promotes surveillance, antibiotic stewardship, and infection control

WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health)

Guidelines for responsible antimicrobial use in animals, restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs)

FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)

Encourages good agricultural practices (GAP), biosecurity measures, and responsible antibiotic use in food production.

Codex Alimentarius (FAO & WHO Joint Commission)

Sets global food safety standards, regulates antibiotic residue limits in animal products.

European Union (EU)

Banned antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in 2006, enforces strict veterinary oversight of antibiotic use.

U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) requires prescriptions for antibiotic use in animal feed, prohibits antibiotics for growth promotion.

Global AMR Surveillance Programs

WHO’s GLASS, FAO’s INFAAR, and other regional initiatives monitor AMR trends and guide policy decisions.

 

Key Strategies to Control AMR in Poultry

As per the pie chart, 75% of AMR mitigation strategies are directly within our control, highlighting the pivotal role of farm management, responsible antibiotic use, and biosecurity in reducing antimicrobial resistance.

  • Responsible Antibiotic Use – This is the most crucial strategy, Ensuring antibiotics are used only when necessary, at the correct dosage, and under veterinary guidance.
  • Vaccination – The First Line of Defence- Develop a structured vaccination program based on local disease risks.
  • Probiotics – Gut Health as a Defence System - Strengthens intestinal barrier function, preventing pathogen entry into the bloodstream.
  • Organic Acids – Natural Bacterial Control - Organic acids are an effective alternative to antibiotics, controlling bacterial populations while improving gut health
  • Phytogenics – Harnessing Herbal Benefits - Phytogenics, derived from herbs and plant extracts, offer antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties
  • Optimized Nutrition – Immunity through Feed- Proper nutrition plays a vital role in enhancing the immune system, reducing the need for antibiotics

Alternative Disease Prevention Strategies in Poultry

  • Optimized nutrition plays a vital role in enhancing poultry immunity, reducing disease susceptibility, and minimizing antibiotic dependency. Trouw Nutrition offers a range of advanced solutions, including Farm Minerals at 0.5%, 3.5%, and 4% inclusion levels, ensuring a precise amino acid balance for optimal performance in layers and broilers.
  • Trouw Nutrition’s 4th generation IntelliBond Trace minerals, formulated with Optisize technology, provide superior bioavailability, improving enzyme functions, immunity, and overall performance.
  • Feeding copper at 125-250 ppm improves gut health, nutrient absorption, feed efficiency, and pathogen defence. However, copper sulphate (CuSO₄) can disrupt mineral balance and reduce feed stability. IntelliBond Cu from Trouw Nutrition offers a more stable, bioavailable alternative, ensuring optimal poultry health and performance.
  • Additionally, Trouw Nutrition’s superior Vitamin Premixes ensure optimal absorption, strengthen immune responses, and reduce oxidative stress.
  • Trouw Nutrition’s Mycotoxin Binders protect poultry from toxin-related immune suppression, ensuring optimal health and performance. By integrating these innovative nutritional solutions, farmers can enhance bird resilience, promote sustainable production, and significantly reduce antibiotic reliance.
  • Trouw Nutrition’s Fytera Perform is a phytogenic feed additive with strong anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress, support immune function, and enhance overall poultry performance.
  • Selacid GG, Trouw Nutrition’s advanced acidifier, combines short-chain (SCFAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in a synergistic action to target both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. SCFAs lower gut pH, inhibiting harmful microbes, while MCFAs disrupt bacterial cell membranes, enhancing gut health, digestion, and overall poultry performance.
  • By integrating these innovative nutritional solutions, farmers can enhance bird resilience, promote sustainable production, and significantly reduce antibiotic reliance.

Conclusion

Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in poultry requires a holistic approach that integrates animal, human, and environmental health. By focusing on responsible antibiotic use, advanced nutrition, and sustainable practices, poultry producers can effectively reduce AMR while maintaining performance and profitability. Trouw Nutrition actively promotes AMR reduction by aligning with the One Health approach, offering IntelliBond trace minerals, Selacid GG acidifiers, Fytera Perform phytogenics, and precision-formulated vitamin premixes. Through science-driven solutions and industry collaboration, Trouw Nutrition supports a healthier, more sustainable future for poultry production.