Lusio: Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) is posing a significant challenge to livestock production in Kenya, as highlighted by a recent sensitization session organized by the County Directorate of Veterinary Services and World Animal Protection. Teresa Gitonga, a small-scale poultry and livestock farmer in Lusio, Nyeri County, has been relying on her own knowledge and over-the-counter drugs to treat her animals, unaware of the dangers of AMR.
According to Kenya News Agency, this session coincided with the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, which aims to educate and advocate for actions to combat AMR. Dr. Patrick Muinde, Research Manager at World Animal Protection, emphasized the connection between industrial animal agriculture and the rise of AMR. He pointed out that antibiotics are often used in intensive farming systems not only for treatment but also as growth promoters and preventive measures, which accelerates the development of resistant bacteria.
The preliminary findings from a baseline survey conduct
ed by the County Directorate of Veterinary Services, World Animal Protection, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, revealed high resistance to antibiotics such as Streptomycin and Penicillin in livestock. The survey also found that farmers frequently purchased and administered drugs without veterinary consultation and did not observe the recommended withdrawal period.
Dr. Anthony Muguro, County Director of Veterinary Services, advised farmers to maintain proper hygiene, adhere to routine vaccination, and use antibiotics responsibly to mitigate AMR risks. He stressed the importance of following veterinary prescriptions and cautioned against the improper use of antibiotics, which could lead to a situation where existing drugs become ineffective for both humans and animals.
