Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to both human and animal health. AMR is a hot topic globally alongside other One Health threats such as emerging zoonotic diseases and global warming. The United Nations released a political declaration on AMR in September 2024, illustrating the international urgency of the situation. Effective antibiotics make it possible for us to live the way we do on Earth. They are the reason the average human life expectancy can continue to climb. But what if they stop working? According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in 2019, there were five million human deaths linked to antimicrobial resistance. What if we can’t treat our illnesses effectively anymore? Without certain antibiotics, it is impossible to farm on the scale we do. AMR does not just threaten human health but also food security. Some AMR genes are a natural feature of microbial species, but in many cases, low-level exposure to antibiotics has allowed bacteria with the genes for resistance to survive, and these resistant bacteria have consequently become more prevalent.
Livestock industry efforts
The danger, therefore, is not that antibiotics are used, but rather when they are used incorrectly or injudiciously. The agricultural sector often bears the blame due to the sheer volume of antibiotics required to treat an entire herd. So, how do we maintain our integrity in this regard? There are a few ways to reduce the risk of AMR on farms: Ensuring that the right antibiotics are given only when necessary, ensuring that a good record is kept of antibiotic usage to confirm the correct usage, and reducing the need for antibiotics by implementing preventative medicine. What is the livestock sector already doing? AMR discussions are ongoing among the veterinary fraternity in South Africa, with antimicrobial usage guidelines formulated by various specialist groups, including the Pig Veterinary Society under the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA). The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a list of medically important antibiotics, which veterinarians in South Africa reference. This guide outlines which antibiotics are permitted for use in animals. This ensures that antibiotics that are critical for human health do not bear the risk of becoming ineffective. The South African Animal Health Association (SAAHA) represents companies that supply the animal health industry with products. AMR is one of their chief interests, and investigating antimicrobial usage is a priority for the AMR alliance. Preventative medicine in practice is the implementation of a good vaccination schedule and, for the pig industry, comprehensive biosecurity systems. If a disease can be prevented by vaccination, fewer antibiotics will be necessary for treatment. If the introduction of the disease can be prevented altogether by the strict implementation of biosecurity protocols, this can significantly reduce the need for antibiotic treatments.
Pork 360: Setting the standard
South African livestock remains in the foundational ‘stock-taking’ phase, gathering essential antimicrobial use (AMU) data. SAPPO’s Pork 360 programme, which covers over 60% of commercially farmed pigs, sets a benchmark for responsible AMU management. Anchored by five pillars, including biosecurity and antimicrobial stewardship, the programme emphasises sustainability, animal welfare, food safety, and environmental care. Pork 360’s audit platform, World of Pork, has tracked trends since 2022, identifying persistent challenges such as feed testing and record-keeping. Veterinarians play a vital role as auditors under the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) and South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), ensuring responsible antimicrobial use through valid prescriptions and oversight. Farm standards require quarterly testing for antimicrobial residues in feed given to market-ready pigs. Since 2024, record-keeping now logs medications by active ingredient and WHO classification. ‘Per millilitre’ reconciliation promotes precise usage, making record-keeping a cornerstone of AMU oversight. Environmental accountability encompasses soil testing for heavy metals in slurry-irrigated areas and monthly meat sampling for residues at abattoirs, in accordance with Codex Alimentarius standards. Positive tests prompt a detailed investigation. Though Pork 360-certified pork does not guarantee premium pricing, the certification functions as a ‘license to sell’, widely adopted by retailers and abattoirs. Non-compliance risks certification loss, encouraging adherence. Ultimately, Pork 360 demonstrates how voluntary standards can drive impactful change. By promoting responsible AMU, the programme strengthens public health and environmental sustainability, positioning South Africa’s pork industry as a leader in global AMR mitigation.
