Kerala joins hands with agency to find cure

KOCHI: In USA, almost 70 % of

antibiotics

is used in animal husbandry. But in India and Kerala, we don’t have figures on the antibiotics use in animal husbandry and fisheries. But, numerous doctors admitted that excess antibiotic use in animal husbandry and fisheries as a growth promoter is a matter of concern and affects antibiotic resistance in human beings. And it is crucial to create awareness among the public about the usage of antibiotics in poultry and fishery.


Further, the state government is realizing the importance of research and innovations as the world is running out of effective antibiotics to fight even simple infections. It has tied up with Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, as research partner to develop alternate strategies and new molecules for AMR containment activities in state.

“We are working to establish the role of phytochemicals and natural antimicrobial substances to fight antibacterial resistance,” said Sabu Thomas, scientist at RGCB. On a pilot basis RGCB plans to launch a project in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam to identify

antimicrobial resistance

genes.

“There are no official figures. We suspect that 60-70 % antibiotics are used in animal husbandry, dairy industry and aquaculture as a growth promoter. China has already banned use of colicin (last-line antibiotics) as growth promoters in animal feed and this is being imported to India,” said Dr Arvind R, who heads the department of infectious diseases at Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram (GMCT).

Developed countries like USA has banned the export of fish products from India that has excess antibiotic presence. “The problem with usage of antibiotics in fish is that the ducks may eat this fish and it will further contaminate the water and ultimately get into our food chain. That is why we want a one health approach and tackle antibiotic resistance at animal, human and environment level,” he said.

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