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Review
. 2024 Jul 2;19(10):903-929.
doi: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0232. Epub 2024 Apr 25.

When the solution becomes the problem: a review on antimicrobial resistance in dairy cattle

Ana José Pires  1   2 , Gonçalo Pereira  1   2 , David Fangueiro  3 , Ricardo Bexiga  1   2 , Manuela Oliveira  1   2   4
Affiliations
Review

When the solution becomes the problem: a review on antimicrobial resistance in dairy cattle

Ana José Pires et al. Future Microbiol. .

Abstract

Antibiotics' action, once a 'magic bullet', is now hindered by widespread microbial resistance, creating a global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. A primary driver of AMR is the selective pressure from antimicrobial use. Between 2000 and 2015, antibiotic consumption increased by 65%, reaching 34.8 billion tons, 73% of which was used in animals. In the dairy cattle sector, antibiotics are crucial for treating diseases like mastitis, posing risks to humans, animals and potentially leading to environmental contamination. To address AMR, strategies like selective dry cow therapy, alternative treatments (nanoparticles, phages) and waste management innovations are emerging. However, most solutions are in development, emphasizing the urgent need for further research to tackle AMR in dairy farms.

Keywords: One Health; alternative antimicrobial strategies; antimicrobial resistance; dairy cattle; resistance dissemination.

Plain language summary

Antibiotics are becoming less effective at fighting infections because of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This phenomenon is mainly caused by the abuse and misuse of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine. In the dairy cow industry, the use of antibiotics to treat diseases is a big concern. Ways to tackle this include the promotion of the responsible use of antibiotics, the development of alternative treatments and the discovery of better methods to deal with animal waste. However, much of these are still in development.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

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