Intensive farming practices have meant that a significant proportion of all antibiotics produced are now used in animal feed. This overuse is creating strains of drug-resistant bacteria. The feed is consumed by animals that are then eaten by us, and it is thought that around 50000 people now die annually as a result of antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance.
However, it is estimated that an extra 10 million people a year could die from antimicrobial resistance by 2050, unless action is taken.
Overuse of antibiotics in farming has triggered the development and spread of bacteria that can no longer be treated in humans with antibiotics. The simplest way of addressing antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance is to give antibiotics to animals only when they are sick, rather than as a preventative measure or means of growth promotion. We also have to ensure we prevent animals from becoming sick in the first place.
We are addressing this challenge by working to ensure the safety of feed to support animal health along the value chain. This includes hygienic processing of feed by using hygienic equipment and building design, as well as efficient steps for inactivation of bacteria in the feed pelleting process. All of this is done in combination with effective product moisture control and controlled storage solutions. Our solutions for avoiding mycotoxin contamination in feed materials are also crucial for protecting animal health, and therefore for reducing the need to give them antibiotics to begin with.
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