Antibiotic Use in Livestock: A Driver of Resistance in Africa and the Path to Safer Alternatives
Mercy Adewumi Alabi, Hafizah Y. Chenia, Johnson Lin
Abstract
Antibiotics are widely used in animal production for disease treatment, prevention, and as growth promoters at subtherapeutic doses. Across Africa, various antibiotic classes, including beta-lactams, macrolides, tetracyclines, phenicols, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and polymyxins, have been incorporated into animal feed to enhance growth and productivity. However, the continuous supplementation of animal feed with antibiotics exerts selective pressure on bacteria, accelerating the development of antibiotic resistance. This misuse in animal agriculture significantly contributes to the growing global threat of antibiotic resistance, affecting animal, human, and environmental health. Resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella species have been widely reported in animal, human, and environmental samples. The transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from animals to humans can occur through direct contact. It can also result from exposure to contaminated manure, wastewater, or consumption of contaminated animal products. This poses a major public health challenge in Africa. To mitigate antibiotic resistance, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal farming must be restricted. Alternative feed additives such as probiotics, prebiotics, and phytobiotics have shown potential as sustainable replacements. Educating farmers on antibiotic risks and sustainable alternatives is crucial. Furthermore, governments must implement strict regulations to control the sale and misuse of antibiotics in livestock production. The review aims to present the harm of antibiotic misuse in livestock farming and emphasize the need for alternative growth promoters, ultimately reducing the burden of resistance across the continent.