Hidden Risks in Kenya’s Poultry Industry
#youshouldknow #knowyourchicken
Did you know that in Kenya, the use of antibiotics in poultry farming is legal? It’s an interesting aspect of the industry that has been garnering attention recently raising concerns regarding its potential health implications and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Poultry farming is a thriving sector that plays a vital role in sustaining Kenya’s food production and driving its economy. However, given the recent concerns surrounding antibiotic use in this industry, it’s crucial to understand the implications of such practices and what it means for those consuming poultry products.
Impacts of using antibiotics in poultry farming
“Antimicrobials’ use in animal production dates as far back as 1910 when due to a shortage of meat products, workers carried out protests and riots across America. Scientists at that time started looking for means of producing more meat at relatively cheaper costs; resulting in the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents” (Agyare, Boamah, Zumbi, & Osei, 2018, p. 1).
Using antibiotics in poultry and livestock farming has been a win-win for farmers and the economy. It has helped boost poultry performance in a cost-effective way. However, we can’t ignore the potential downside. Antibiotic-resistant strains of both harmful and harmless organisms might end up in the environment and find their way to humans through the food we eat. This could seriously impact public health. So, while antibiotics have their benefits, we need to be cautious about the risks they pose.
While some countries have taken steps to limit or prohibit the use of certain antibiotics in animal production, a significant portion of antibiotics produced worldwide, roughly 60%, is still being used in the livestock industry, which includes poultry farming. Here are some of the main effects;
Antibiotic Resistance (AMR)
Antibiotic use in poultry farming can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a threat to both animal and human health. Resistant bacteria can transfer between animals, humans, and the environment, making infections more difficult to treat.
“In recent years, enough evidence highlighting a link between excessive use of antimicrobial agents and antimicrobial resistance from animals as a contributing factor to the overall burden of AR has emerged. The extent of usage is expected to increase markedly over coming years due to the intensification of farming practices in most of the developing countries” (Agyare, Boamah, Zumbi, & Osei, 2018). AMR is a rising concern in Kenya. According to Dr. Ndinda Kusu, the Country Project Director of MTaPS Kenya, “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a dire problem in Kenya. There are already high levels of resistance to common first-line drugs and rising infections from life-threatening pathogens, including those leading to pneumonia, salmonella, and gonorrhea”
Food Safety
Antibiotic residues in poultry products can find their way into the human food chain. Consumption of these residues may contribute to the overall burden of antibiotic exposure and increase the risk of antibiotic resistance development.
What Consumers Can Do
- Support Organic and Free-Range Production: Choose poultry products that are certified organic or free-range. These systems often have stricter regulations on antibiotic use and prioritize animal welfare and natural farming practices. Our suppliers, including Farmer Max, Ololo Farm, Farmhouse Food Co, and Ithanji, share our commitment to ethical and conscious farming practices. They grow their chicken using natural and regenerative methods that promote the health of the planet, animals, and consumers alike. We are proud to partner with these suppliers.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the issues surrounding antibiotic use in poultry farming. Understand the potential risks associated with antibiotic resistance and the importance of responsible antibiotic use in both animals and humans.
- Choose Responsibly: When purchasing poultry products, look for labels or certifications indicating responsible antibiotic use. Some certifications, such as the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) and Certified Humane, promote antibiotic-free or judicious antibiotic use in animal farming.
- Spread Awareness: Use your voice to raise awareness about responsible antibiotic use and the potential consequences of antibiotic resistance. Engage in conversations, share information on social media, and support organizations working towards antibiotic stewardship.
References
Antimicrobial Resistance Global Report on Surveillance. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2014: 256. Retrieved from:Â http://www.who.int/drugresistance/documents/surveillancereport/en/Â on 15th April, 2018
Agyare, C., Boamah, V. E., Zumbi, C. N., & Osei, F. B. (2018). Antibiotic Use in Poultry Production and Its Effects on Bacterial Resistance. IntechOpen. Retrieved from https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/62553
Kusu, N. (2020, July 29). Containing Antimicrobial Resistance: Kenya’s Systems Approach. MTaPS Program. Retrieved from https://www.mtapsprogram.org/news-blog/containing-antimicrobial-resistance-kenyas-systems-approach/
Marshall BM, Levy SB. Food animals and antimicrobials: Impacts on human health. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2011; 24:718-733
