Antibiotic resistance circulating in farm environments

Bacteria commonly found in humans, animals and the environment is developing resistance to treatment with antibiotics in poultry farms across central Malawi.

High levels of resistance to a widely used antibiotic have been found among people, animal and in the environment, alongside lower levels of resistance to a drug used in hospitals to treat severe infections.

Antibiotic resistance - where bacteria evolve to survive treatment - poses a major global health threat. Food production systems, including poultry farming, can play an important role in how resistance develops and spreads.

Antibiotics that are commonly used were linked with higher levels of resistance compared with treatments that are used less frequently, highlighting the importance of adopting a One Health approach, integrating animal, human and environmental health, to safeguard critical medicines.

Roslin Institute researchers collaborated with fellows from the Fleming Fund, an initiative that aims to improve antimicrobial surveillance, raise public awareness and promote responsible use of antibiotics in low-and middle-income countries.

Shared resistance 

Samples of E.coli bacteria  were collected from poultry, farm workers and the surrounding environment, alongside information on farming practices and antibiotic use in the community.

Testing revealed high levels of resistance to the commonly used antibiotic cotrimoxazole across humans, animals and the environment, suggesting resistance is circulating between them.

In contrast, resistance to ceftriaxone, a drug used in hospitals, remained relatively low. These findings highlight the importance of protecting the drug’s effectiveness, the research team remarks.

Certain farming practices were linked to higher levels of antimicrobial resistance, including the use of commercial feed, keeping chickens in enclosed spaces, and prior antibiotic use,.

Researchers also found that some farmers were administering antibiotics intended for humans to poultry.

One Health approach 

The findings show that antibiotic resistance is not confined to hospitals, but is shaped by practices in poultry farming, and how people, animals and the environment interact.

Addressing this challenge requires a One Health approach, bringing together human, animal and environmental health sectors to ensure antibiotics remain effective for future generations, the study team suggests.

Informing policy 

The team presented the findings to the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Surveillance Technical Working Group of Malawi’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

Following this, researchers will work with the country’s Antimicrobial Resistance National Coordinating Centre to translate the findings into practical steps. These may include strengthening monitoring of antibiotic use in people, embedding indicators into routine surveillance, and piloting updated stewardship guidance.

The team will also share findings through international conferences, and develop an evidence brief with veterinary services and poultry sector stakeholders to promote responsible antibiotic use.

This research was published in PLOS Public Global Health.

Related links

Scientific publication

Fleming Fund