Antibiotic usage in chickens is under control, say associations

The overuse of antibiotics in food production, particularly in the poultry, livestock and aquaculture industries can lead to antimicrobial resistance. – 123rf.com

THE usage of antibiotics in food animals like chickens is under control in Malaysia, say several veterinary associations.

Malaysian Association of Food Animal Veterinarians president Datuk Dr Vincent Ng In Hooi says such efforts to control the usage of antibiotics are in line with steps to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

“We are trying to implement the national action plan on AMR to the best of our ability, as it is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development today.

“There’s no danger in chicken meat because steps have been taken to control the use of antibiotics in food animals,” he says.

AMR is a situation where bacteria changes over time and no longer respond to medicine, making infections harder to treat.

It is due to the overprescription of antibiotics to patients, but another reason is the overuse of antibiotics in food production, particularly in the poultry, livestock and aquaculture industries.

While the situation is still under control, Dr Ng says the increase in AMR is an unavoidable consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Due to the movement control order and lockdowns, veterinarians and other professionals were unable to service farms that led to poor diagnosis of disease and improper usage of drugs.

“Because of this, some farmers self-medicated animals with antibiotics,” he says.

Antibiotic-free whole chicken wings. Use of antibiotics in chickens is under control in Malaysia, say several veterinary associations. – The Star

To stop AMR from becoming a bigger problem, Dr Ng says more investment is required in research and development of new antimicrobial medicines, vaccines and diagnostic tools through public-private partnerships.

“Research and innovation within the animal feed and animal health industry should also be promoted.

“In order to do so, it is essential that adequate funding and resources are made available to ensure that a long-term and ambitious approach can be implemented to combat AMR,” he says.

Malaysian Veterinary Medical Association executive member Dr Chee Liung Wun says the degree of antibiotics used in food production has reduced tremendously over the past 10 years.

“Besides promoting responsible and prudent use of antibiotics, there have also been aggressive efforts to replace them with alternatives.

“This includes probiotics, enzymes, essential oils and vaccines for food animals and livestock,” he says.

Dr Chee adds that there are also provisions in the law to prevent abuse and limit the use of antibiotics in such animals.

“For example, a veterinary prescription is required before antibiotics can be administered to food animals to ensure antibiotics are used accordingly.

“Also, the use of antibiotics in food production must comply with the fixed maximum residue limits and withdrawal period,” he explains.