Antibiotic Resistance Development in Animal Production: A Cross-Sectional Study

 In recent years, an increase in the development of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens especially foodborne zoonotic bacteria has been observed. As a result, crude mortality rates are increasing due to those resistant bacteria in both human and animal populations, particularly in developing countries like Tanzania where the risk of infection is high due to poor biosecurity measures, close animal–human interactions, and extensive use of antimicrobials for animal productions. One of those zoonotic bacterial pathogens, which commonly contaminates food, is Salmonella.

This study revealed that the Salmonella isolates of diarrheic sheep developed a wide range of resistance to different antibiotics. Further studies and integrative approaches in a one health framework among animal–human and environmental health professionals are recommended for the mitigation of health risks arising from antibiotic-resistant zoonotic pathogens like Salmonella.