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Rising Colistin Use in Animal Feed Linked to Increased Antibiotic Resistance in Humans, Study Finds

Colistin use in animal feed is fueling antibiotic resistance in humans. How can we protect both animal welfare and human health?

Consider a scenario in which animal health management is jeopardized by the abuse of one of humanity’s most potent antibiotics. This is the developing reality due to the overuse of colistin in animal feed. Colistin, a last-resort antibiotic for multidrug-resistant human illnesses, is often used to prevent sickness and enhance animal growth, notably dairy cattle. Research conducted by the University of Oxford and the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, demonstrates an alarming increase of colistin-resistant E. coli in the environment and cattle. The abuse of human antibiotics in animal feed contributes to worldwide antibiotic resistance, jeopardizing consumer health and market viability. We must end this practice and implement improved hygiene standards and alternative growth alternatives to protect dairy farming and public health. Learn about options for reducing antibiotic usage in cattle and ensuring a sustainable future for dairy production.

Resurfacing of Colistin: The Critical Last-Resort Antibiotic 

Colistin, commonly known as polymyxin E, is an antibiotic that has gained popularity owing to its ability to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. It was discovered in the late 1940s, but its usage in human medicine has declined dramatically as less harmful alternatives have become available. However, with the increase in antibiotic-resistant infections in recent decades, colistin has resurfaced as a crucial last-resort therapy, especially for severe conditions like pneumonia. The value of colistin in human medicine cannot be emphasized. As healthcare facilities battle with rising antibiotic resistance, colistin remains one of the only viable treatments for otherwise incurable bacterial illnesses. Recognizing its crucial significance, the World Health Organization has designated colistin as a critically important antibiotic. This classification emphasizes the need to maintain effectiveness via tight regulatory mechanisms governing its usage in human healthcare and other industries like agriculture.

Global Synergy to Combat Antibiotic Resistance 

The study is a significant international collaboration among a network of prestigious institutions, including the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad, the National Institute of Health in Pakistan, Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria, Dhaka Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh, and Cardiff University. This vast collaboration demonstrates a concerted effort to address the rising problem of antibiotic resistance across several geographic locations. The study presents solid evidence of the widespread use of colistin in agricultural techniques in low- and middle-income nations, including Pakistan, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. A key result is that, despite prohibiting colistin usage in domestic agriculture, high-income countries continue to export this crucial antibiotic to places where it remains the primary choice owing to prohibitive prices or restricted access to other therapies. This practice dramatically contributes to the increasing frequency of colistin-resistant E. coli bacteria in the environment and cattle, presenting a danger to world health.

Escalating Resistance in Pakistan: A Stark Reality 

The researchers used a systematic technique to collect and evaluate samples from diverse environmental sources and cattle in Pakistan. Their results indicated an alarming presence of colistin-resistant E. coli in 7% of the samples analyzed. This statistic compares sharply with the worldwide average of 4.7%, indicating a considerable departure pointing to a more severe resistance problem in Pakistan.

The samples from the natural environment and animals raised for food demonstrated the extensive prevalence of colistin resistance and its progression to human isolates. This highlights a disturbing trend, indicating that the widespread use of colistin in animal feed contributes to the rise in resistance reported in bacterial strains impacting human populations.

A Grim Prognosis: Colistin’s Agricultural Use Threatens Human Health

The growing use of colistin in animal feed is a problematic agricultural practice that presents a considerable risk to human health. Colistin-resistant bacteria in animals and the environment serve as reservoirs, allowing the transmission of resistance genes to pathogenic bacteria that infect people. The research emphasized This concerning trend, which found a stunning 7% prevalence rate of colistin-resistant E. coli in Pakistan’s livestock and environment, compared to a worldwide average of 4.7%. More dangerously, similar resistance characteristics are identified in human isolates, indicating that agricultural usage of colistin directly contributes to the erosion of its effectiveness in treating human illnesses. Antibiotic resistance is becoming more prevalent due to the ease with which resistant genes such as mcr-1 and mcr-2 propagate across multiple vectors, including water and food supply networks. While colistin remains a last-resort antibiotic for multidrug-resistant infections, its declining efficacy severely restricts treatment choices, creating a serious public health concern.

Expert Insights: Navigating the Complex Terrain of Antibiotic Resistance 

Expert comments from prominent researchers offer insight into the growing problem of antibiotic resistance and suggest mitigating strategies. Professor Timothy Walsh, Research Director of the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, explains the contradiction many high-income nations experience. The use of human antibiotics in animal feed is one of the leading causes of antibiotic resistance worldwide. While many high-income nations have decreased their use of antibiotics in agriculture, they continue to sell medications such as colistin to low- and middle-income countries, he says. He emphasizes the urgent need for efforts to end human-critical antibiotics in agriculture, adding, “We need to stop using human antibiotics for animal feeds.” However, without other options, such a prohibition would result in lower meat output, higher prices, and a loss of revenue for farmers. Therefore, enhanced farm cleanliness and animal care are recommended as interim remedies.

Dr. Mashkoor Mohsin of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, shares similar concerns and calls for a radical change in antibiotic treatment. He believes we must modify how antibiotics are manufactured, traded, licensed, and used in veterinary medicine. He emphasizes combining public health objectives with farmer livelihoods: “At the same time, we cannot ignore animal welfare or farmer welfare in countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh.” Such a worldwide transformation would need significant commitment from national governments, financial institutions, pharmaceutical corporations, and international trade authorities, indicating the multidimensional effort necessary to solve this critical problem.

Regulatory Gaps and Global Trade: Fueling Colistin Resistance in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The extensive usage of colistin in low- and middle-income nations is due to severe regulatory and trade concerns. While high-income countries have banned colistin from agriculture, they continue to export it to countries with looser restrictions, undercutting global efforts to combat antibiotic resistance. This regulatory void in Pakistan, Nigeria, and Bangladesh allows for substantial colistin usage in animal feed, which promotes colistin-resistant microorganisms. These strains may spread to people by meat intake, direct contact, or the environment.

Colistin is often overused due to a lack of sufficient control, and it is even promoted for pediatric usage under false labeling such as ‘Antibiotic—Antidiarrheal.’ Addressing this problem requires international collaboration and robust national frameworks for controlling antibiotic use in agriculture. Improving trade restrictions to prevent colistin shipments to nations with lax safeguards is critical. Improved monitoring and instructional programs for farms may encourage improved antibiotic stewardship practices.

Failure to solve these regulatory loopholes increases the risk of untreatable infections, endangering millions of lives and damaging modern medicine’s accomplishments. A worldwide effort to bridge these gaps is critical to protecting human and animal health.

Charting a Path Forward: Actionable Solutions to Curb Colistin Resistance in Animal Agriculture 

The research provides numerous practical suggestions for combating antibiotic resistance caused by colistin usage in animal feed. To begin, there is an urgent need to develop and employ new medications purely for animal feed, with human antibiotics reserved for emergencies. Researchers urge financial and technical assistance to farmers in adopting improved hygiene and welfare measures, lowering their dependency on human antibiotics. Improved agricultural hygiene is critical; cleanliness may help avoid illnesses and minimize antibiotic usage. To naturally prevent disease transmission, extensive agricultural management methods are required.

International collaboration and strict regulatory frameworks are also necessary. The report emphasizes the need for coordinated actions from national governments, financial institutions, pharmaceutical corporations, and global trade authorities. Unified policies and incentives, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, are critical for addressing this public health concern.

The Bottom Line

The widespread use of colistin in animal feed aggravates antibiotic resistance, presenting hazards to cattle and humans. Colistin, critical for treating multidrug-resistant diseases in people, is being overused in agriculture, especially in low- and middle-income nations, compromising its efficacy. The research identifies a concerning rise of colistin-resistant E. coli in habitats and food animals, particularly in Pakistan, which mirrors comparable human health issues.

Key results highlight the need for stringent restrictions and viable alternatives in animal agriculture. Many farmers are unaware of the hazards of using human-critical antibiotics for animals, emphasizing the need for education and assistance. The report advocates for a worldwide effort by governments, pharmaceutical corporations, financial institutions, and international authorities to reform antibiotic production, trade, and usage. Antibiotic resistance must be addressed as a communal effort.

Developing alternative livestock medications, improving farm cleanliness, and implementing sustainable animal care methods are critical. Your involvement as a dairy farmer is crucial. Our determined and responsible efforts will determine whether or not we live in a future free of the devastating repercussions of antibiotic resistance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Colistin, a last-resort antibiotic for multidrug-resistant infections in humans, is increasingly used in animal agriculture.
  • Despite bans in some high-income countries, colistin is still exported to low- and middle-income countries where regulatory oversight is weak.
  • The study identified a higher prevalence of colistin-resistant E. coli in food animals and the environment in Pakistan, with resistance observed in 7% of samples, exceeding the global average of 4.7%.
  • Farmers in low-income countries often lack awareness of the consequences of using human antibiotics in animal feed, leading to widespread misuse.
  • Researchers emphasize the need for new, animal-specific antibiotics and improved farming practices to reduce reliance on critical human antibiotics like colistin.

Summary:

The overuse of colistin in animal feed is a growing concern due to its potential to cause antibiotic resistance. Colistin, a last-resort antibiotic for multidrug-resistant human illnesses, is often used to prevent sickness and enhance animal growth, particularly in dairy cattle. However, research by the University of Oxford and the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, shows an alarming increase of colistin-resistant E. coli in the environment and cattle, contributing to worldwide antibiotic resistance. Colistin, also known as polymyxin E, has gained popularity due to its ability to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The World Health Organization has designated colistin as a critically important antibiotic, emphasizing the need for tight regulatory mechanisms governing its usage in human healthcare and other industries like agriculture. A significant international collaboration among prestigious institutions has been conducted to address the rising problem of antibiotic resistance across several geographic locations. High-income countries continue to export colistin to places where it remains the primary choice due to prohibitive prices or restricted access to other therapies. Experts like Professor Timothy Walsh and Dr. Mashkoor Mohsin have provided insights into the growing issue and suggest strategies to combat it, including efforts to end human-critical antibiotics in agriculture and a radical change in antibiotic treatment.

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Farm Wastewater Study Reveals Zinc and Copper Footbaths Spike Antibiotic Resistance

Explore how copper and zinc footbaths on dairy farms contribute to spikes in antibiotic resistance within wastewater. Could innovative management strategies help reduce this environmental challenge?

Imagine the empowerment from discovering that even routine practices, such as using footbaths for your cows, can significantly contribute to a pressing issue. The groundbreaking research from the University of Nottingham reveals that wastewater from copper and zinc footbaths is a significant factor in the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in slurry. This new study sheds light on an overlooked source of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on farms and equips you with crucial knowledge to make informed decisions. 

The research combined mathematical models and on-farm observations to map where and when these spikes occur. Key findings include: 

  • Spent footbath liquids are linked to increases in cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli.
  • Proper disposal or recycling of these metals could reduce AMR pollution.
  • Layered Double Hydroxides may help remove copper and zinc from footbath wastewater.

“Mapping the antibiotic-resistant bacteria in this way allows us to understand its precise source and, importantly, its route through the farm”—Professor Dov Ste, Kel University of Nottingham.

These insights can help you make more informed decisions about managing wastewater and reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on your farm.

Farm Practices Under the Microscope: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock Farming 

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not just a major global health issue; it’s a pressing concern that demands immediate attention, especially in livestock farming. AMR occurs when bacteria adapt to withstand antimicrobials, leading to the emergence of ‘superbugs’ that are difficult to treat and can spread to humans through food, water, and direct contact. The urgency of this issue underscores the need for swift and decisive action. 

While antibiotics boost growth and prevent illness in farming, they also promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Improper manure and slurry disposal can spread these resistant genes and bacteria, reaching humans. 

Knowing how farm practices affect AMR is essential. It allows for identifying the best ways to reduce resistant bacteria and manage farm activities to control resistance. Addressing AMR goes beyond limiting antibiotics; it requires a comprehensive approach to all contributing farm practices, including proper waste management, strategic farm layouts, and alternative antimicrobial materials.

Unlocking the Secrets of Farm Wastewater: A Dual Approach to Combat AMR

Researchers at the University of Nottingham used mathematical models and on-farm research to study how wastewater flows and farm practices impact antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These models helped predict how different farm layouts affect the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 

On the practical side, samples from various farm areas, especially slurry systems with footbath solutions, were collected and analyzed. This provided real-world data, such as the concentration of resistant bacteria in different places and the effectiveness of various waste management practices, to refine their models and ensure their accuracy and applicability to farm conditions. 

Combining these methods, the team identified how specific practices, like disposing of copper and zinc footbath water, contribute to AMR fluctuations. This approach offers targeted solutions to combat AMR on farms.

Shedding Light on Hidden Threats: Wastewater Disposal’s Role in AMR Trends

The study found that cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli levels spiked after copper and zinc footbath water was disposed of into the slurry system. This direct link shows how critical managing footbath wastewater is to controlling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on farms. Read more about wastewater management.

The Broader Implications: Targeted Strategies to Tackle AMR Pollution 

The broader implications of these findings are profound. By pinpointing sources of antibiotic-resistant bacteria like spent footbath water, farms can deploy strategies to combat AMR pollution. This includes exploring the recycling or safe disposal of antimicrobial metals. These insights enable farm-specific interventions, optimizing both animal health and environmental care. By adopting these measures, farms can help reduce the spread of AMR genes and bacteria, contributing to the larger goal of mitigating the public health threat AMR poses.

From Farm Overflow to Human Impact: The Far-reaching Consequences of Improper Slurry Storage 

The risks extend beyond the farm when dairy slurry isn’t stored correctly. The slurry can overflow into waterways or seep into the soil, spreading antimicrobial-resistant genes and bacteria. These hardy microbes travel through water and runoff, contaminating our water supplies and farmland. 

Once contaminants reach food and water, they can transfer resistance to other bacteria, leading to harder-to-treat human infections. This highlights the critical need for stringent farm waste management practices to protect the environment and public health.

Turning the Tables: How Idle Slurry Tanks Become ARB Combat Zones

Research from the University of Nottingham found that undisturbed slurry tanks reduce ARB spread for at least 60 days. When no new waste is added, bacteria naturally die off in the hostile environment. This shifted the view of slurry tanks from ARB breeding grounds to manageable zones with proper timing and handling.

Changing Perspectives: Slurry Tanks as Manageable Zones in AMR Control

“Initially, we found that the slurry tank wasn’t as scary as we thought for the spread of antimicrobial-resistant genes. Left alone, the hostile environment would kill the bacteria. However, we saw fluctuations in Escherichia coli. Using computer modeling and on-farm research, we discovered a direct link between the disposal of Zinc and copper footbath water and spikes in Escherichia coli,” explained Dov Stekel, Professor of Computational Biology at the University of Nottingham

“Metals and other antimicrobials, like formalin and glutaraldehyde, can co-select for antibiotic resistance, meaning ARBs could persist even after antibiotics degrade,” stated Dr. Jon Hobman, Associate Professor of Microbiology. “This underscores the need to carefully consider all antimicrobials used in farming practices, not just antibiotics, to combat antimicrobial resistance effectively.”

Innovative Solutions on the Horizon: Breakthroughs in Wastewater Treatment for AMR Mitigation

Research into tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not just progressing; it’s paving the way for a brighter future. Engineers at the University of Nottingham are at the forefront of this progress, exploring innovative ways to treat wastewater. Their use of layered double hydroxides to remove copper and zinc from cattle footbath wastewater is a breakthrough that could revolutionize farm wastewater management practices. This promising development inspires hope for more effective AMR mitigation in the future. 

Future research aims to test and improve these methods. The goal is to create sustainable systems that reduce farms’ environmental impact and limit the spread of AMR. This proactive approach to wastewater management addresses current issues and builds a healthier future for agriculture.

The Bottom Line

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern in modern farming, with recent research pointing to wastewater from dairy farm footbaths as a significant source. Studies by the University of Nottingham revealed that improper disposal of copper and zinc footbaths into slurry systems can cause spikes in antibiotic-resistant E. coli. 

Mitigating these AMR sources is crucial. Key insights from the research show that strategic farm layouts, better waste management, and proper disposal or recycling of antimicrobial metals can significantly reduce AMR spread. Properly stored dairy slurry and idle periods in slurry tanks can also reduce resistant bacteria by creating harsh environments where they cannot survive. 

Innovative solutions like Layered Double Hydroxides to remove copper and zinc from wastewater show promise for the future. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive farm wastewater management to protect environmental and human health. With improved strategies, we can reduce AMR pollution and safeguard overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • Footbaths containing copper and zinc contribute to spikes in antibiotic-resistant bacteria in slurry.
  • Proper disposal or recycling of waste antimicrobial metals offers an opportunity to reduce AMR pollution.
  • Cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli levels fluctuate with specific farm activities.
  • Leaving slurry tanks untouched for at least 60 days can reduce the spread of ARBs.
  • Other antimicrobials like formalin and disinfectants also play a role in antibiotic resistance.
  • Mapping AMR bacteria can lead to improved wastewater management practices to mitigate the problem.
  • Innovative solutions, such as using Layered Double Hydroxides, show promise in removing copper and zinc from cattle footbath wastewater.

Summary:

The University of Nottingham has discovered that wastewater from copper and zinc footbaths is a significant contributor to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in slurry. The study, which used mathematical models and on-farm observations, found that spent footbath liquids are linked to increases in cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli. Proper disposal or recycling of these metals could reduce antibiotic resistance (AMR) pollution. Layered Double Hydroxides may help remove copper and zinc from footbath wastewater. AMR is a significant concern in livestock farming, as bacteria adapt to withstand antimicrobials, leading to the emergence of’superbugs’ that can spread to humans through food, water, and direct contact. Addressing AMR requires a comprehensive approach to all contributing farm practices, including proper waste management, strategic farm layouts, and alternative antimicrobial materials. The findings have profound implications, as pinpointing sources of antibiotic-resistant bacteria allows farms to deploy strategies to combat AMR pollution, such as exploring the recycling or safe disposal of antimicrobial metals. The University of Nottingham is exploring innovative ways to treat wastewater, with the use of layered double hydroxides potentially revolutionizing farm wastewater management practices.

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