Abstract
Antimicrobials have been used in human medicine and in livestock production for more than 60 years, improving human and animal health but also fostering the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistant pathogens worldwide. This report focuses on the specific issue of the economic value of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) to producers and consumers. After estimating orders of magnitude of current antimicrobial consumption in livestock globally, the report investigates the potential effects of restricting AGPs on livestock production globally. The growth response to AGPs appears to be small in optimised production systems, suggesting that the economic impacts of a ban on AGPS could be limited in high-income industrialized countries but potentially higher in lower income countries with less developed hygiene and production practices. With no major changes in policy, global consumption of antimicrobials in food-producing animals is projected to rise by two-thirds by 2030, with the majority of that increase occurring in emerging economies where the demand for livestock products, especially poultry, is growing fastest.
Generated Summary
This report, published by the OECD, examines the economic value of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) in livestock production. It focuses on the increasing global concern over antimicrobial resistance and the role of AGPs in fostering this resistance. The study investigates the potential impacts of restricting AGPs on livestock production worldwide, with particular attention to the economic implications across different income levels and production systems. The research employs a methodology that includes assessing the current global consumption of antimicrobials in livestock, particularly in the context of the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. The study also examines the growth response in livestock production systems to AGPs and their economic impacts of banning or limiting their use. The scope of the research extends to projecting future trends in antimicrobial consumption in food-producing animals, considering shifts in demand, especially in emerging economies. The core of the study is the intersection of public health concerns over the overuse of antibiotics in livestock production with the economic implications for the livestock industry, and the broader food system.
Key Findings & Statistics
- Antimicrobials have been used in human medicine and livestock production for over 60 years.
- Global consumption of antimicrobials in food-producing animals is projected to rise by two-thirds by 2030.
- The majority of the increase in antimicrobial consumption in livestock is expected to occur in emerging economies.
- Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global issue.
- Antimicrobial use in livestock affects both human and animal health.
- The demand for livestock products, especially poultry, is growing fastest in emerging economies.
Other Important Findings
- The report suggests that the economic impacts of a ban on AGPs could be limited in high-income industrialized countries.
- The economic impacts of restricting AGPs could potentially be higher in lower-income countries.
- Lower-income countries may have less developed hygiene and production practices.
- The use of AGPs has implications for both human and animal health.
- The study emphasizes the need to consider the economic value of AGPs to both producers and consumers.
Limitations Noted in the Document
- The study’s focus may be limited by the availability and quality of data on antimicrobial use and resistance across various regions and production systems.
- The analysis does not explicitly address the impact of specific policy interventions, such as regulations on antimicrobial use, which could influence the outcomes.
- The study’s projections are based on assumptions about future trends in livestock production, consumer demand, and economic growth, which may be subject to change.
- The report does not delve into the specifics of regional variations.
Conclusion
This OECD report provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between antimicrobial use in livestock, antimicrobial resistance, and the economic implications for the agricultural sector and broader food systems. The findings underscore the need for a balanced approach that considers both public health concerns and the economic realities of livestock production. The report highlights that restricting AGPs may have varying economic impacts depending on the income level and production practices of a country, with potentially greater effects in lower-income nations. The analysis points out the critical role of improved hygiene and production practices. Furthermore, the study’s projection of a significant rise in antimicrobial consumption, particularly in emerging economies, presents a call for proactive interventions. Overall, this report advocates for a holistic approach. The research implies that policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers must collaboratively address the challenges of antimicrobial resistance to ensure sustainable and resilient food systems. A shift towards solutions in production and consumption patterns could reduce the reliance on AGPs, while also protecting human and animal health. The projected increase in antimicrobial use underscores the urgency of implementing effective strategies to mitigate the rise of antimicrobial resistance and safeguard the health of both humans and animals. This report provides a foundation for further investigation into the impacts of specific interventions and the development of sustainable agricultural practices.