Wisnu Jaka Dewa

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and the Overuse of Antibiotics in Animal Husbandry in Indonesia

By: Dr. Drh. Wisnu Jaka Dewa, M.Sc

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global public health threats of the 21st century. It occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs, rendering standard treatments ineffective and leading to persistent infections, prolonged illness, and increased mortality. Among the key contributors to AMR is the excessive and improper use of antibiotics in animal husbandry. In Indonesia, where agriculture and livestock are vital sectors for food security and economic stability, the misuse of antibiotics in livestock production has become an increasingly urgent concern.

The practice of using antibiotics not only to treat and prevent diseases in livestock but also to promote growth has been widespread. However, this overreliance on antibiotics in animal agriculture has raised alarms due to its potential to accelerate the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. These resistant strains can be transmitted from animals to humans through the food chain, direct contact, or the environment, ultimately undermining the effectiveness of antibiotics crucial for human medicine.

Overview of Antibiotic Use in Indonesian Livestock

Indonesia is home to a large and diverse livestock population, including poultry, cattle, goats, and pigs. As the demand for meat and dairy products has risen, so too has the intensification of farming practices, which often rely heavily on antibiotics to maintain productivity and control disease outbreaks in confined animal feeding operations.

According to several studies and reports, antibiotics in Indonesia are frequently used without veterinary prescription, particularly in small- and medium-scale farms. This practice is driven by multiple factors, including lack of awareness, limited access to veterinary services, economic pressures to prevent livestock losses, and marketing by pharmaceutical companies. Antibiotics such as tetracyclines, penicillins, sulfonamides, and fluoroquinolones are among the commonly used classes in animal husbandry.

Unfortunately, monitoring and regulation of antibiotic use in livestock are still inadequate in Indonesia. Although the government has issued policies to control antibiotic usage, including restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) and the establishment of National Action Plans on AMR, implementation and enforcement remain inconsistent.

Mechanism and Consequences of AMR

When antibiotics are used excessively or inappropriately, selective pressure enables resistant bacteria to survive and proliferate, while susceptible bacteria are eliminated. Over time, the resistant strains become dominant and can spread within and between animal populations, and eventually to humans. AMR not only complicates the treatment of infections in animals but also has serious public health implications.

In the context of Indonesia, resistant bacteria from livestock have been found in animal products such as meat and milk, as well as in environmental samples around farms, including soil and water. This indicates a widespread contamination risk, where resistant genes can transfer to human pathogens and cause difficult-to-treat infections.

Moreover, AMR affects food safety and trade. International markets are increasingly sensitive to AMR-related risks, and countries that fail to meet sanitary and phytosanitary standards may face trade restrictions. For a country like Indonesia that aims to expand its agricultural exports, tackling AMR is not only a health issue but also an economic imperative.

Drivers of Antibiotic Overuse in Indonesian Livestock

Several interrelated factors contribute to the overuse of antibiotics in Indonesia’s livestock sector:

1. Lack of Awareness: Many farmers are unaware of the consequences of improper antibiotic use. Without sufficient knowledge, antibiotics are often used as a first-line solution for any signs of illness or to prevent potential disease outbreaks.
2. Weak Regulation and Oversight: Although regulations exist, enforcement is limited. The availability of antibiotics over-the-counter without prescription allows easy access and misuse.
3. Economic Incentives: Livestock producers often operate on tight margins. Preventing disease and promoting growth through antibiotics can appear cost-effective in the short term, despite the long-term risks.
4. Limited Veterinary Services: In rural areas, access to veterinarians is limited. Farmers may rely on self-diagnosis and advice from non-professional sources.
5. Poor Farm Management: Overcrowding, inadequate hygiene, and poor nutrition increase the risk of disease outbreaks, prompting more frequent antibiotic use.

Current Efforts and Challenges

Indonesia has taken some positive steps to address AMR. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health have collaborated with international agencies such as FAO, WHO, and OIE to develop and implement the National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR), which includes improving surveillance, promoting rational antibiotic use, strengthening regulations, and increasing public awareness.

The government has banned the use of AGPs in animal feed since 2018. Educational programs and pilot projects promoting good farming practices (GAP) and biosecurity have also been initiated in several regions.

However, significant challenges remain:

• Surveillance gaps: Data on antibiotic use and resistance patterns in animals are still limited.
• Compliance: Enforcement of regulations at the farm level is weak, especially in informal markets.
• Coordination: AMR is a multisectoral issue requiring strong coordination between human health, animal health, agriculture, and environmental sectors (One Health approach).
• Capacity constraints: Many farmers and local officials lack the technical capacity to implement biosecurity measures and alternative disease prevention strategies.

Recommendations for Controlling AMR in Animal Husbandry

To combat AMR effectively, a comprehensive and coordinated strategy is essential. Below are key recommendations:

1. Strengthen Regulation and Enforcement: Ensure antibiotics are only sold with veterinary prescriptions and establish penalties for non-compliance. Improve the capacity of regulatory bodies to monitor and enforce laws.
2. Enhance Surveillance Systems: Develop nationwide systems to track antibiotic usage and resistance trends in livestock, food products, and the environment.
3. Promote Farmer Education: Conduct continuous training programs on responsible antibiotic use, alternative disease management strategies, and biosecurity practices.
4. Support Research and Innovation: Invest in the development of vaccines, probiotics, and herbal alternatives to reduce dependence on antibiotics.
5. Foster One Health Collaboration: Integrate efforts across sectors to address AMR holistically, including public health, veterinary services, and environmental protection.
6. Encourage Good Agricultural Practices (GAP): Improve farm hygiene, reduce animal density, and ensure adequate nutrition to enhance animal health naturally.
7. Incentivize Compliance: Provide financial or technical support to small-scale farmers who adopt AMR-reducing practices.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to global health, food security, and economic stability. In Indonesia, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry are key contributors to this growing problem. While the government has taken initial steps toward addressing AMR, much more needs to be done to ensure sustainable and effective change.

Controlling AMR requires a paradigm shift in how antibiotics are viewed and used in livestock production. Education, regulation, innovation, and cross-sectoral collaboration must be prioritized to mitigate the threat of AMR. By investing in responsible farming practices and adopting the One Health approach, Indonesia can safeguard both human and animal health and secure the long-term viability of its agricultural sector.

References:

1. WHO. (2020). Antimicrobial resistance. World Health Organization.
2. FAO. (2019). The FAO Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2016–2020.
3. Ministry of Agriculture Indonesia. (2018). Regulation on the prohibition of AGPs in animal feed.
4. OIE. (2021). Antimicrobial Use in Animals.
5. UNICEF Indonesia. (2022). AMR in livestock: Challenges and interventions.