Protecting Public Health by Addressing Livestock Practices
In Vietnam, as in many parts of the world, antibiotics are routinely administered to animals—pigs, poultry, and cattle—to promote growth, prevent disease, and treat infections.
While this practice may seem beneficial in the short term, it is fostering a dangerous environment for the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which ultimately threatens human health, food safety, and the effectiveness of medical treatments.
This article explores the current state of AMR in Vietnam, the steps taken for its mitigation, and how we, as stakeholders in the animal health industry, can contribute to mitigating this growing crisis through responsible antimicrobial practices.
The State of Antibiotic Resistance in Vietnam: A Growing Crisis
WHO indicates that antibiotic resistance is growing at an alarming rate in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Overuse of antibiotics in both healthcare and agriculture has outpaced new developments, leaving patients vulnerable to untreatable infections.
Hospital-acquired infections from bacteria like Klebsiella and E. coli are increasingly resistant to key antibiotics such as cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and carbapenems., with some hospitals seeing over 50% resistance rates. This makes infections harder to treat and hospital stays longer and costlier.
At the same time, the prevalence of drug-resistant strains in livestock is increasing. According to recent studies, antibiotic resistance in farm animals is growing rapidly, with strains of E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter showing resistance to common antimicrobial agents. This resistance, once confined to animal populations, is now a growing threat to human health, as resistant bacteria can cross-contaminate food products, especially in under-regulated farming environments.
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE?
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Vice Minister Phung Duc Tien said: “Viet Nam has banned the use of antibiotics as growth promoters since 2018, issued a prescription circular which requires prescription on all antibiotics use in animals since 2020, and will phase out the prophylaxis use of antibiotics in the livestock sector by 2026. These are concrete efforts that can reduce the amount of antimicrobial use in livestock and reduce the risks of antimicrobial resistance in both animals and human. Farmers can promote disease prevention measures to minimize the need to use antibiotics and use the alternative natural solutions.
MOVING FORWARD:
A Call to Action for Vietnam’s Livestock Industry
Acc. to a WHO report, in Vietnam, the widespread use of antibiotics in agriculture, coupled with inadequate regulation and public awareness is contributing to AMR. To combat AMR effectively, a collaborative approach is essential, involving all stakeholders—healthcare providers, farmers, regulatory authorities, and the public. At Zenex Animal Health, a leader in animal health, we recognize the importance of responsible antibiotic use in the livestock industry. We are committed in doing our part in fighting against AMR by providing natural herbal solutions that can support the health of animals without contributing to the growing AMR crisis. Our range of herbal products-designed for pigs, poultry, and ruminants – offer a safe, sustainable alternative to conventional antibiotics, helping to boost immune function, improve gut health, prevent diseases and promote growth & overall well-being in animals.
Related Blogs
