May 28, 2025: Antimicrobial resistance is discussed by Dr. Pankaj Dhaka, assistant professor at GADVASU's Centre for One Health.
One of the biggest risks to public health in the twenty-first century is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It appears when antibiotics and other medications used to treat infections stop working as well. In addition to endangering human health, this silent yet dangerous problem also has an impact on the environment and wildlife. Experts throughout the world today emphasize the significance of the One Health concept, which acknowledges the complex connections between the health of humans, animals, and the environment. The risk of resistant bacteria spreading through milk, meat, and water has increased along with the usage of antibiotics in food-producing animals, especially in developing countries.
In a significant study conducted at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, we polled more than 460 veterinarians nationwide to evaluate their practices, attitudes, and understanding on the usage of antibiotics. Although the majority were aware of AMR, which was encouraging, many still chose antibiotics based more on their own experiences than on diagnostic testing. Animals were frequently given critically needed antibiotics, such as quinolones and third-generation cephalosporins, especially for ailments like mastitis and reproductive problems.
Through a qualitative investigation, we were able to identify a number of problematic practices, such as farmers self-medicating, the sale of antibiotics over-the-counter without a prescription, and a lack of knowledge regarding antibiotic withdrawal periods.


The GADVASU research team evaluated the impact of farm biosecurity on antimicrobial usage (AMU) in livestock by conducting a scoping analysis of 27 papers from 16 countries in order to deepen our understanding. According to the research, 51.8 percent of studies demonstrated a direct correlation between enhanced biosecurity and lower AMU, and 18.5% of studies noted that better farm management techniques also contributed to lower antibiotic use. The review suggests advocating strong biosecurity measures in light of these findings.
To stop the sale of veterinary antibiotics without a prescription, stricter laws are desperately needed.