Junxia Song
Senior Animal Health Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO
Applying proven best practices across farms and food systems is key to preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobials.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effectiveness of medicines essential for people and animals. In agrifood systems, antimicrobials can treat and control disease in livestock, aquaculture and plants. When these substances are misused, resistant microorganisms can develop and spread through food, water and the environment.
For example, routine antibiotic use in poultry feed to promote growth could result in resistant bacteria like Salmonella, posing risks to consumers. Reducing such risks requires coordinated, science-based action at every stage of food production.
Putting prevention first
Keeping animals healthy is essential to reducing AMR. Improved hygiene, strong biosecurity and vaccination are proven strategies. In aquaculture, good water quality and balanced feeding practices helps reduce disease outbreaks. Integrated pest management in crops offers alternatives to chemical treatments. These practices not only lower AMR risks but also support safer and more sustainable production.
In Zimbabwe, poultry farmers supported by FAO and national authorities reduced antimicrobial use by improving hygiene and record-keeping.1 In Cambodia, farmer Khem Samay adopted cleaner housing and vaccination, using antibiotics only when necessary.2 These examples demonstrate that preventing and reducing antimicrobial use is not only possible but practical.
preventing and reducing antimicrobial use is not only possible but practical.
Policy and collaboration across sectors
AMR demands collaboration across the agriculture, health and environment sectors. National Action Plans (NAPs), developed with international support, offer frameworks for action. However, only a small fraction of NAPs is fully costed and budgeted, limiting their implementation.
Agrifood systems remain chronically underfunded compared to other sectors, despite their central role in food security and public health. The One Health approach, which recognises the links between the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems, is essential.
Turning commitments into action
The 2024 UN General Assembly Political declaration of the high-level meeting on AMR has reaffirmed the urgency of tackling AMR, but progress depends on putting commitments into practice. Strengthening farmers’ access to training on good practices, investing in surveillance and encouraging responsible antimicrobial use are all essential.
Applying best practices across agrifood systems is a collective responsibility to preserve antimicrobials’ effectiveness, protect food security and sustain our planet’s health.
[1] FAO, 2025. Zimbabwe makes strides in reducing antimicrobial use in poultry with FAO support. FAO Regional Office for Africa.
[2] FAO, 2025. From routine to resilient: reducing antibiotics on the farm, Takeo Province, Cambodia.
