New Study Links Antibiotic Use in Poultry to Human Resistance

A recent study published in mSphere, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology, indicates that certain antibiotics used in conventional poultry farming could play a significant role in developing antibiotic resistance in humans. Conducted by Dr. Alex Wong, Asalia Ibrahim, and Jason Au from Carleton University’s Department of Biology, the research specifically examines ionophores, a class of antibiotics widely utilized in poultry farming and previously regarded as “not important to human medicine.”

The Interconnectedness of Health

“This research underscores the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of animal and human health,” explains Dr. Alex Wong. “While ionophores have long been deemed safe for poultry to prevent parasitic infections, our findings suggest that their use may actually contribute to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can threaten human health.”

This groundbreaking study spotlights the ongoing importance of responsibly managing antibiotic use in animal agriculture, emphasizing the potential long-term risks to both animal and human health.

Key Findings of the Study

• Bacterial pathogens globally possess genes (narA and narB) that render them resistant to ionophores.
• These resistance genes are frequently linked to others that confer resilience to critical human antibiotics.
• Utilizing ionophores can encourage bacteria to harbor both resistance types, increasing the difficulty of treating infections with essential medicines and raising the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance spreading from animal agriculture to human health systems.

The implications of this study are profound and highlight the urgent need for continued research and policy-making focused on combating antibiotic resistance, particularly concerning the use of ionophores in livestock.

Expert Opinions

“This study surprised me,” states Lance Price, M.S. Ph.D., Professor at George Washington’s (GW) Milken Institute School of Public Health and Founding Director of GW’s Antibiotic Resistance Action Center. “I had previously dismissed ionophores due to the lack of evidence surrounding their impact. However, this study indicates that they may be contributing to resistance against crucial medications.”

Perdue Farms’ Commitment to Responsible Practices

Despite the rising use of ionophores among poultry producers, Perdue Farms has taken a definitive stand by committing to a No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) policy since 2016, eliminating the use of all antibiotics, including ionophores.

“We initiated our NAE transition in response to consumer demand and have since recognized the associated benefits for animal welfare and human health,” says Dr. Bruce Stewart-Brown, DVM, Chief Science Officer at Perdue Farms. “Our commitment reflects our belief that what is beneficial for the birds also translates to well-being for people. This study validates that belief, ensuring consumers can purchase our products with confidence.”

Funding and Further Information

This study was supported by the Canadian Government, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and Perdue Farms. For additional details on the study and Perdue Farms’ commitment to NAE, visit corporate.perduefarms.com.

Source: Perdue Farms

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