In the sprawling landscapes of global agriculture, a silent crisis is unfolding, one that threatens to disrupt not just farm yields but also public health and food safety. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock production systems is emerging as a formidable challenge, driven by the widespread and often unregulated use of antimicrobials. A recent narrative review published in the journal *Veterinary Sciences* (translated to English as “Veterinary Sciences”) sheds light on this pressing issue, offering a comprehensive overview of the molecular epidemiology, ecological drivers, and One Health implications of AMR in food-producing animals.
Led by Ayman Elbehiry from the Department of Public Health at Qassim University in Saudi Arabia, the research underscores the critical need for coordinated action to mitigate the threat of AMR. “The widespread use of antimicrobials for growth promotion, prophylaxis, and metaphylaxis has accelerated the emergence and dissemination of resistant bacteria and resistance genes,” Elbehiry explains. These resistant elements circulate across interconnected animal, environmental, and human ecosystems, driven by mobile genetic elements and amplified through the food production chain.
The stakes are high. It is estimated that more than two-thirds of medically important antimicrobials are used in animals, and AMR could cause millions of human deaths annually by mid-century if left unchecked. In some livestock systems, the prevalence of multidrug-resistant *E. coli* already exceeds half of isolates, particularly in poultry and swine in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The review highlights key zoonotic and foodborne bacterial pathogens, including *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella enterica*, and *Staphylococcus aureus*, as well as underappreciated reservoirs in commensal microbiota and livestock environments. Diagnostic platforms spanning phenotypic assays, PCR, MALDI-TOF MS, whole-genome sequencing, and CRISPR-based tools are examined for their roles in AMR detection, surveillance, and resistance gene characterization.
Elbehiry and his team also evaluate current antimicrobial stewardship practices, global and regional surveillance initiatives, and policy frameworks, identifying critical implementation gaps, especially in LMICs. Emerging sectors such as aquaculture and insect farming are considered for their potential role as future AMR hotspots.
Looking ahead, the research outlines future directions including real-time genomic surveillance, AI-assisted resistance prediction, and integrated One Health data platforms as essential innovations to combat AMR. “Mitigating the threat of AMR in animal agriculture will require coordinated scientific, regulatory, and cross-sectoral responses to ensure the long-term efficacy of antimicrobial agents for both human and veterinary medicine,” Elbehiry emphasizes.
The implications of this research extend beyond the farm, touching on public health, food safety, and even the energy sector, where livestock production plays a significant role. As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainable agriculture and food security, the insights from this review offer a roadmap for action, highlighting the need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to tackle the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
In the words of Elbehiry, “The time to act is now. The future of our food systems and public health depends on it.”