Prof. Lanan “antimicrobial resistance in cattle leads to low animal productivity…”

Faced with the silent rise of antimicrobial resistance in the Guinean livestock sector, Professor Lanan Soromou, veterinary doctor, calls for vigilance. Through a recently conducted pilot study, it provides a worrying overview of veterinary practices and the potential consequences of this threat.

A pioneering study for an alarming reality

“We carried out a cross-sectional survey which concerned breeders, breeding technicians, diagnostic laboratories, veterinary pharmacies and technical service agents”, explains Professor Soromou. The study focused on a few pilot areas, namely Forécariah, Kindia, Mamou, and Kissidougou; while waiting for an extension to other localities such as Dabola, Mandiana or Beyla.

The first results highlight a significant presence of antimicrobial resistance in animals, particularly in poultry, small ruminant and cattle farms. “All species are affected, but some, such as poultry, are more exposed due to their high density and frequent treatments,” he notes.

Risky practices

Among the causes identified, the veterinarian cites as a priority the uncontrolled use of antibiotics. “Antibiotics are poorly known, poorly used and often administered without respecting doses or withdrawal times,” he alerts. Animal self-medication and poor veterinary supervision contribute to reinforcing the phenomenon.

In addition, the lack of knowledge of the classes of antibiotics and their spectrum of action among those involved in the field: breeders and drug sellers, aggravates the situation. “Some use unsuitable antibiotics or at inappropriate times, which favors the selection of resistant strains,” continues Professor Soromou.

Consequences that go beyond breeding

The impacts of this resistance go far beyond the borders of the agricultural sector. “It leads to low animal productivity, because treatments become ineffective against resistant germs. But it also affects humans. he insists.

Antibiotic residues are found in meat, milk and eggs. Once consumed, these residues can promote bacterial resistance in humans. Furthermore, poorly disposed of medicinal waste contaminates the environment. “These residues end up in gardens, rivers, and return to our plate in the form of vegetables or contaminated water”, warns Professor Soromou.

To effectively combat this threat, Professor Soromou advocates the approach “One health”, which links human, animal and environmental health. “Each actor, whether veterinarian, agronomist, doctor, environmentalist or sociologist, has a role to play in this multi-sectoral response”, he says.

Although he recognizes the existence of a regulatory framework for the use of antimicrobials, he denounces its shortcomings: “The problem is not the absence of laws, but their weak application on the ground.” He thus calls for collective awareness and a strengthening of existing legislative mechanisms.

Concrete and urgent actions

Among the priority recommendations, Professor Soromou insists on the continuing training of breeders, the equipment and multiplication of veterinary diagnostic laboratories, as well as the revision of university curricula in the fields of health and breeding. “The State has already done a lot, but we must go further: further equip existing structures and bring laboratories closer to production areas,” he suggests.

Professor Soromou calls for reinforced coordination between all the actors concerned, because “Animal health is inseparable from human health. Protecting one means preserving the other.” he concludes.

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