Agricultural experts and international organizations have renewed calls for farmers to reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock production, warning that misuse poses serious risks to both animal and human health.

In Nigeria, the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) has raised concerns over indiscriminate administration of antibiotics in livestock and fish farming. Experts noted that farmers often administer drugs without prescription, use incorrect dosages, or ignore withdrawal periods, leading to antibiotic residues in meat, milk, and eggs consumed by the public.

To curb the trend, the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in Kogi State has commenced training for veterinarians and farmers on safer practices. The initiative aims to educate over 2,500 farmers on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and proper drug administration.

Globally, a recent Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report projected a 30 percent rise in livestock antibiotic use by 2040 if current practices continue. However, the study stressed that with better animal health management, biosecurity, and improved productivity, usage could be cut by as much as 57 percent compared to projected levels.

Civil society groups, including the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), have also criticized the widespread reliance on antibiotics in large-scale industrial farming, warning of environmental hazards and public health threats.

Veterinary professionals are urging Nigerian farmers, particularly poultry producers, to strictly observe withdrawal periods before selling animal products to consumers. This, they say, is essential in reducing the risks of drug-resistant infections, often referred to as “superbugs.”