The antimicrobial problem

Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic agents – are essential for preventing and treating infections in people, animals, and plants. However, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) arises when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve in ways that render these medicines ineffective. A major driver of AMR is the misuse, and overuse, of antimicrobials.

Globally, the consequences of AMR are profound. As infections become increasingly resistant to treatment, rates of morbidity and mortality rise across human, animal, and plant populations. In 2019 alone, AMR was associated with 4.95 million human deaths¹. Without urgent intervention, this figure could escalate to 10 million deaths annually by 2050, making AMR a leading cause of death globally².

The economic costs of AMR

In the agricultural sector, AMR poses a serious threat to productivity, livelihoods, food security, and socio-economic status. The health and survival of food-producing animals and crops are jeopardised, which impacts farmers, fishers, and other frontline food system workers and across the supply chain. There is a broad consensus that failure of AMR will have devastating global economic consequences^3,4. The World Bank estimates that AMR could result in US$1 trillion additional healthcare costs by 2050, and US$1 trillion to US$4 trillion gross domestic product (GDP) losses per year by 2030.

Subsistence farmers are particularly vulnerable, as AMR can compromise both their livelihoods and their food and nutritional security. Low-income countries, which often face higher rates of infectious diseases^5,6, are likely to bear the brunt of these impacts. AMR in the food system may lead to price volatility and increased food costs, thereby reducing access to safe and affordable food for low-income populations and exacerbating global hunger and inequality⁷. The United Nations estimates that, if left unaddressed, AMR could push an additional 24 million people to the 700 million already⁸ into extreme poverty by 2030.

Transforming food systems through a One Health approach

Compassion in World Farming promotes a One Health and context-specific approach in advocating for reduction of antimicrobial use. In low- and middle-income countries, the misuse of antimicrobials may be driven by limited access to veterinary, paraveterinary or extension services and the need to protect livelihoods. In contrast, in intensive livestock production systems, antimicrobials are often administered routinely to entire groups of animals to prevent and treat diseases that arise from overcrowded and stressful conditions. In some cases, antibiotics are also used to promote faster growth and improve feed efficiency.

In 2024, a Political Declaration was adopted by the UN General Assembly in New York to address the serious global threat of antimicrobial resistance and recognised the need for a One Health approach. Positively, it acknowledged that animal health is intrinsically connected to our health, and that of the planet, and must be considered when taking action on AMR.

Compassion advocates for agri-food systems that do not rely routinely on antimicrobials. Factors that lead to a reduction in the use of antimicrobials in agrifood systems, contributing to healthier and more sustainable food systems include:

higher standards of animal health and welfare
improved access to quality animal health services
good housing
husbandry and management practices
responsible use of antimicrobials, including phasing them out for growth promotion
improved monitoring.

For example, in poultry, the use of slower-growing breeds, and the reduction of stocking density, reduced the use of antimicrobials in farms in the Netherlands⁹.

We strongly believe that dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders across the food systems, and a global-to-local approach are necessary to develop pragmatic, effective policies on the reduction of AMR.

Driving international antibiotics reduction

Compassion has helped to develop new recommendations aimed at reducing international antibiotic use in farmed animals whilst optimising animal health and animal welfare, issued by the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Multi-Stakeholder Platform. This is an initiative formed to ensure the growing threats and impacts of antimicrobial resistance are addressed globally.