Islamabad, Pakistan

In a significant move toward sustainable and responsible livestock farming, Pakistan’s poultry industry is making strides in reducing reliance on antimicrobials. The sector is increasingly adopting alternatives to antimicrobials to combat the alarming rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health challenge that threatens both human and animal welfare.

A recent market and perception survey was conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Pakistan, in collaboration with the Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad between October to November 2024. The survey was conducted in Pakistan’s major poultry hubs of Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, and identified more than 100 commercially available alternatives. Among these, organic acids, probiotics, and phytochemicals emerged as leading choices, reflecting growing confidence in natural and innovative solutions for disease prevention and growth enhancement. These alternatives not only mitigate the risk of AMR but also contribute to better gut health, stronger immunity, and improved feed efficiency resulting in healthier poultry and enhanced productivity.

The survey, which employed a structured questionnaire, revealed that 60.8 percent of respondents considered probiotics the most effective alternative to antimicrobials, followed by organic acids (21.7 percent). Furthermore, a majority of respondents (60.8 percent) reported using alternatives prophylactically, rather than as treatment – indicating a strategic shift in poultry health management practices.

This shift signals a promising evolution in industry practices, since more than 60 percent of surveyed poultry producers and veterinarians expressed a preference for alternatives as a preventive strategy, rather than resorting to antibiotics for treatment.

With poultry accounting for over 40 percent of Pakistan’s meat production and supporting 1.5 million jobs, this transition holds enormous potential for the country’s food safety and economic growth. By aligning with global good practices, Pakistan can strengthen public health safeguards while ensuring the long-term viability of its poultry industry.

However, for this transformation to be sustainable and effective, policy reforms and industry support are essential. The survey findings emphasize the need for stronger regulations, extensive farmer training, and localized research to guarantee the quality, affordability, and efficacy of antimicrobial alternatives.

”I am very proud that Pakistan has a real opportunity to lead by example in responsible livestock management. Through coordinated action among government, researchers, and the poultry industry, the country can demonstrate that protecting public health and ensuring economic resilience can go hand in hand in the fight against antimicrobial resistance”, said Riasat WaseeUllah, Pakistan ACT project coordinator.

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The ACT Project
ACT in Pakistan