Global Rise in Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock Tied to Overuse of Antibiotics

Strategic Insights -

The global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock poses a significant risk to public health, with the overuse of antibiotics being a key driver of this issue. Research on surveillance of Escherichia coli (E. coli) resistance in pig farms in Zhejiang Province, China, highlights the urgent need for sustained monitoring of AMR in animal populations to mitigate resistance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The global rise in antimicrobial resistance poses a critical threat to public health, with the overuse of antibiotics in livestock being a key driver of this problem.
  • Research on livestock-associated AMR remains limited, with few systematic monitoring efforts, making it essential to fill this knowledge gap.
  • The study found that 51 E. coli strains from 90 fecal samples collected across six farms in Zhejiang Province, China, showed high resistance rates for various antibiotics, including amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and sulfamethoxazole.
  • The prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains was 89.24%, and whole-genome sequencing revealed 58 acquired AMR genes and 17 virulence-associated genes.
  • The study identified two strains that exhibited meropenem resistance and carried the bla gene on IncI1-I plasmids, which may promote horizontal gene transfer of bla.
  • The research concludes that despite ongoing antibiotic reduction efforts, the high prevalence of resistant E. coli in pigs underscores the urgent need for sustained surveillance of AMR in animal populations.

Statistics:

  • 90 fecal samples were collected from six farms in Zhejiang Province, China.
  • 51 E. coli strains were identified with high resistance rates for various antibiotics.
  • 89.24% of E. coli strains were multidrug-resistant.
  • 58 acquired AMR genes were identified in the E. coli genomes via whole-genome sequencing.
  • 17 virulence-associated genes were detected in the E. coli genomes.
  • Two strains exhibited meropenem resistance and carried the bla gene on IncI1-I plasmids.

Sources:

  • VerticalNews (2025). "Research on Gram-Negative Bacteria - Escherichia coli: Surveillance of Escherichia coli antimicrobial resistance in pig farms in Zhejiang province, China: High prevalence of multidrug resistance and risk-associated genes."
  • Zhang, Y., et al. (2025). "Surveillance of Escherichia coli antimicrobial resistance in pig farms in Zhejiang province, China: High prevalence of multidrug resistance and risk-associated genes." Microbial Pathogenesis, 204, 107598.
  • School of Life Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
  • Academic Press Ltd- Elsevier Science Ltd, 24-28 Oval Rd, London NW1 7DX, England.
  • NewsRx (2025). "School of Life Sciences Reports Findings in Escherichia coli (Surveillance of Escherichia coli antimicrobial resistance in pig farms in Zhejiang province, China: High prevalence of multidrug resistance and risk-associated genes)." Agriculture Week, 416.