The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have released the inaugural surveillance data of the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) for 2019–22. This groundbreaking report marks the first comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.
INFAAR, comprising 20 laboratories, including ICAR Research Institute Laboratories and State Veterinary Universities, is dedicated to monitoring AMR in fisheries and livestock. The report sheds light on the widespread use of antibiotics in food animal production, a major driver of AMR.
Notably, the report covers three key production systems within the fisheries sector: freshwater, brackish water, and marine. It highlights the prevalence of resistance among various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Vibrio species.
Key findings reveal concerning levels of resistance across all systems, particularly against commonly used antibiotics such as penicillin and cefotaxime. Freshwater fish, shrimp, and marine fish samples exhibited varying degrees of resistance, underscoring the urgent need for judicious antibiotic use.
In the livestock sector, samples from cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry were analysed. Results indicate significant resistance among E. coli and Staphylococcus isolates, with poultry samples showing higher resistance rates compared to other food animals.
The report also highlights the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, which pose serious challenges to disease management and treatment efficacy. Additionally, the identification of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and Amp C-type β-lactamase producers underscores the complexity of AMR in animal food production.
While the report provides valuable baseline data, it also emphasizes the need for continued surveillance and intervention strategies to combat AMR effectively. These efforts are crucial for safeguarding public health and ensuring the sustainability of India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.
