Nigerian experts raise alarm over antibiotic misuse in livestock, fish farming

NIGERIA – The National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) has raised concerns over the unchecked use of antibiotics in Nigeria’s livestock and aquaculture sectors, warning of the serious public health risks posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

Experts caution that the widespread misuse of these drugs is jeopardising both animal and human health, emphasising the urgent need for stricter regulation.

Dr. Sati Ngulukun, a director at NVRI in Vom, Plateau State, revealed in an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, a local newspaper, that many farmers, lacking professional guidance, administer antibiotics based on hearsay rather than scientific knowledge.

“Farmers just go to the market or chemist, buy antibiotics and give them to their livestock, poultry, or fish without considering the dosage or withdrawal period,” he stated.

The withdrawal period—the time required for a drug to clear from an animal’s system before its products become safe for human consumption—is often ignored and as a result, antibiotic residues persist in meat, eggs, and milk, potentially contributing to AMR.

“When consumers eat these products, they ingest antibiotic residues, which may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. This means that when they later need antibiotics for infections, the drugs may not work effectively,” Ngulukun warned.

Weak regulation and rising AMR cases

Despite existing regulations, enforcement remains weak. Antimicrobial drugs are still widely available over the counter, which contradicts international best practices.

“Antibiotics should only be sold with a prescription from a veterinarian or medical doctor. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, anyone can walk into a pharmacy or market and buy these drugs freely,” Ngulukun lamented.

The consequences of AMR are alarming, and according to global health reports, AMR is linked to 4.95 million deaths annually, with 1.27 million directly caused by drug-resistant infections. 

If left unchecked, this number could rise to 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Nigeria, ranked 19th globally in AMR-related mortality, records an estimated 263,400 AMR-linked deaths annually, with 64,500 directly attributed to drug-resistant infections.

The economic ramifications are equally severe. Projections indicate that AMR could cost the global economy up to US$100 trillion, with Nigeria expected to suffer a 3.8% decline in GDP and a similar reduction in livestock numbers by 2050.

Recent studies further underscore this growing AMR threat. For example, a study conducted by the National Veterinary Research Institute and published in the International Journal of Poultry Science revealed widespread antimicrobial residues in commercial eggs. 

Researchers screened 900 eggs and found that 3.6% contained antibiotic residues, with 0.1% specifically testing positive for tetracycline. 

The study also found that while 96.5% of poultry farmers used antibiotics, only 74.1% were aware of drug residues, and nearly a third (32%) admitted to ignoring withdrawal periods.

Seeking solutions beyond antibiotics

Experts emphasise the need for alternatives to antibiotics in animal farming. Dr. Nafiu Lawal, an Animal Health and AMR specialist at Usman Danfodiyo University, advocates for using prebiotics and probiotics to enhance livestock health and reduce reliance on antibiotics.

“Prebiotics, just like antibiotics, play a crucial role in health management, but instead of killing bacteria, they promote the growth of beneficial microbes,” he explained. 

On the other hand, probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria that outcompete harmful pathogens, reducing the need for antibiotic use.

Strengthening policies and surveillance also hold the key to combating the growing threat of AMR in Nigeria. 

To this end, Nigeria has implemented two National Action Plans (NAPs) over the past eight years. The latest, NAP 2.0 (2024–2028), focuses on enhancing surveillance, promoting responsible antibiotic use, improving infection prevention, and investing in research.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has also taken steps to curb antibiotic misuse. The agency has restructured its operations, forming the AMR-One Health (OH) Team to monitor veterinary medicine, post-marketing surveillance, and research initiatives. 

NAFDAC’s Deputy Director, Dr. Tunde Sigbeku, disclosed plans to enhance border surveillance to track antibiotic imports and exports more effectively.

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