Kenya’s dairy farms are facing a critical challenge that impacts both consumers and animals. The excessive use and poor quality of antibiotics in livestock rearing pose a significant risk to global health. This issue must be addressed to ensure the safety of food and protect public well-being.
The prevalent use of antibiotics in livestock farming has surged significantly. In fact, two thirds of the global antibiotic consumption is now attributed to animal husbandry, and this figure is expected to soar by 67% by 2030 due to the expanding livestock and fish production. Nonetheless, the overuse of antibiotics could pave the way for the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can be transmitted to humans through food and environmental exposure, leading to ineffective treatment of human infections. Alarmingly, antibiotic-resistant infections contribute to 4.95 million fatalities annually on a global scale, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 22% of these deaths.
A recent study focusing on Kenya’s central highlands unveiled alarming findings. Smallholder dairy farmers were found to be misusing antibiotics and purchasing substandard products, thereby compromising the health of both consumers and animals. Notably, traces of antibiotics were even detected in the milk, raising grave concerns. The improper use of antibiotics can result in economic losses for farmers, as it diminishes the productivity of livestock and escalates treatment expenses. The repercussions of antimicrobial resistance could lead to an 11% decline in livestock output by 2050, especially impacting low-income countries.
Furthermore, the presence of antibiotic residues in milk, surpassing global standards in some instances, poses serious health risks to consumers. Even at low levels, antibiotic residues in milk can lead to allergic reactions and contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria over time.
Quality assessments of antibiotics sold in veterinary drug stores in central Kenya revealed that almost 44% of the antibiotics tested were of poor quality, raising concerns about their efficacy and safety. Substandard or counterfeit antibiotics can lead to ineffective treatment, prolonged illness, and foster the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to incomplete eradication of disease-causing bacteria.
The study’s implications call for urgent intervention, including stricter regulation of antibiotic sales, enhanced veterinary oversight, and educating farmers about the risks associated with antibiotic misuse. Policymakers are urged to strengthen regulations on antibiotic use, elevate surveillance and monitoring systems for antibiotic residues in milk, and promote better animal husbandry practices that decrease reliance on antibiotics.
For a country like Kenya, where agriculture is integral to the economy, safeguarding the health and productivity of livestock is paramount. It is indispensable to implement measures to curb antibiotic misuse and ensure food safety, protecting the welfare of both consumers and animals.
