Meat, Fish, Dairy Linked To Antimicrobial Resistance, Expert Warns

A director at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State, Dr Sati Ngulukun, has raised the alarm over the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to the misuse of antibiotics in livestock and fish farming.

Dr Ngulukun warned that excessive and unregulated use of antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals leads to drug residues in meat, fish, eggs, and milk, which, when consumed by humans, contribute to AMR and other health risks.

In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP, Dr Ngulukun explained that many farmers administer antibiotics without proper prescription, often using incorrect dosages.

“The misuse of these antimicrobials gets into animal products because farmers do not follow proper guidelines. They do not observe the withdrawal period, the time required for drugs to leave an animal’s system before its products are consumed,” he stated.

Antimicrobials, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics, are essential for treating infections in humans, animals, and plants. However, AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist these drugs, making infections harder and sometimes impossible to treat.

According to Dr Ngulukun, when humans consume meat, milk, or eggs containing antibiotic residues, small amounts of the drugs enter their bodies, potentially triggering antimicrobial resistance. “This means that over time, infections that were once easily treatable with antibiotics may become resistant, making treatment difficult or even impossible,” he warned.

Beyond AMR, he highlighted that these drug residues can cause hypersensitivity reactions and allergic responses in some individuals.

“Some of these chemicals can also undergo changes in the body that may have long-term health effects,” he added.

The expert expressed concern over increasing antibiotic use in fish farming, particularly in catfish and tilapia production. “Farmers are even using human antibiotics like tetracycline, which is extremely dangerous.

The dosage meant for humans is different from what should be given to animals. These drugs remain in the tissues of fish and eventually enter the food chain,” he revealed.

He also emphasised that self-medication among farmers is worsening the problem. “Many farmers go to local pharmacies, buy antibiotics without prescription, and administer them blindly to their animals. This is a major contributor to AMR,” he said.

While regulatory agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Ministry of Agriculture monitor drug use in livestock, enforcement remains weak.

“Ideally, antimicrobials should not be sold over the counter. They should only be prescribed by veterinary or medical professionals. However, in Nigeria, anyone can walk into a pharmacy and buy antibiotics freely,” Dr Ngulukun noted.

He stressed that stricter enforcement of existing policies is crucial. “The AMR committee has been advocating for better regulation, but enforcement remains challenging. We need a system where antibiotics are only sold based on prescription,” he stated.

Dr Ngulukun called for greater public awareness and farmer education on responsible antibiotic use. “Farmers need to understand that overusing antibiotics is not the solution. Instead, they should focus on biosecurity measures and vaccination to prevent infections in livestock and fish,” he advised.

He also emphasised the role of veterinary professionals in ensuring food safety, noting that the country’s veterinarian workforce is insufficient. “Nigeria has just over 10,000 registered veterinarians, which is not enough to oversee the livestock population. Many rural areas lack veterinary services, leading to unregulated drug use,” he said.

Beyond antibiotic use, Dr Ngulukun also raised concerns about poor hygiene in meat transportation and sales. “Even when meat is safe at the point of slaughter, the way it is transported, often on motorcycles in open-air conditions, leads to contamination. We need stricter hygiene measures across the entire food supply chain,” he stressed.

He urged stakeholders, including government agencies, veterinarians, and the media, to collaborate in raising awareness and pushing for policy enforcement. “If consumers demand proof that their meat, fish, and dairy products are safe, farmers and sellers will be forced to comply with regulations,” he said.