Antibiotics are used for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections in animals as well as in humans. Antibiotics are also used in livestock feed to promote growth, or may be applied as sprays on fruit crops to control or prevent bacterial diseases.

Bacteria and genes, including resistance genes, can pass between human, animal and other ecosystems. Adverse consequences include:

• An increase in the prevalence of resistant bacteria in animals;Transfer of resistant pathogens to humans via direct contact with animals, or through the consumption of contaminated food or water;
• Transfer of resistance genes to human bacteria;
• An increase in the incidence of human infections caused by resistant pathogens; and
• Potential therapeutic failures in animals and human

Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance
Bacteria that live in and around animals can become resistant to antibiotics used on the farm. Evidence is increasing that resistance is emerging in foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter. Humans can become infected with these organisms following exposure to contaminated water sources, animals or food.

Expert scientific bodies have met in recent years to review the evidence and make recommendations relating to the prudent use of antimicrobials in the agri-food sectors.