AMR SURVEILLANCE IN INDIA’S FISHERIES, LIVESTOCK SECTORS

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Picture Courtesy: https://krishijagran.com/news/fao-and-icar-releases-first-comprehensive-national-report-on-antimicrobial-resistance-in-indian-fisheries-and-livestock-sector/

Context: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have published the first national report on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in India's fisheries and livestock sectors.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a UN-specialised agency that leads international efforts to combat hunger, promote nutrition, and ensure food security. Its motto is "Let there be bread". It was established in 1945.

Key Highlights of the Report

• The report offers data from the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) for the years 2019-22. INFAAR, which includes 20 laboratories, aims to monitor AMR trends in India's fisheries and livestock industries.

Scope of Surveillance

• Fisheries Sector: Surveillance includes freshwater, brackish water, and marine production systems.
• Livestock Sector: Surveillance includes important food-producing animals such as cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, pigs, and poultry.

Antibiotic Resistance Patterns

• Fisheries Sector: High resistance was detected in Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CONS), Escherichia coli, Vibrio species, and Aeromonas species.
• Livestock Sector: Resistance to E. coli and Staphylococcus isolates has been documented in the livestock sector, notably among poultry.
• Multidrug Resistance (MDR): MDR patterns were seen in both aquaculture and livestock-origin E. coli isolates, demonstrating resistance to multiple antibiotic classes.

Significance of the Report

• Data collected by INFAAR surveillance will be used to inform policy and decision-making for AMR containment efforts.
• The findings emphasise the importance of using antibiotics economically in food-animal production systems to prevent resistance development.
• The report highlights the significance of continued surveillance for tracking AMR trends.
• It emphasises the need for actions to combat AMR, particularly in industries with high resistance levels.
• The study includes baseline data to help understand AMR trends in India's fisheries and livestock industries, making it easier to assess the success of interventions.

Conclusion

• The INFAAR surveillance data is an important step toward addressing AMR in India's agricultural sectors. It emphasises the significance of ongoing monitoring and focused measures in addressing the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

Must Read Articles:

Antimicrobial Resistance And Antimicrobial Waste: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/antimicrobial-resistance-and-antimicrobial-waste#:~:text=AMR%20happens%20when%20microorganisms%20(such,%2C%20antimalarials%2C%20and%20anthelmintics).   

ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/antibiotics-resistance

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Animal waste and agricultural runoff may include a diverse range of bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. How to develop an effective method for monitoring and mitigating the transmission of resistance genes from environmental reservoirs to human pathogens?