Quantifying antimicrobial resistance in food-producing animals in North America

The misuse of antimicrobial medication has worsened antimicrobial resistance (AMR), allowing bacteria to evade drugs. AMR can be intrinsic or acquired, allowing bacteria to incorporate new genes from other organisms or environments. A systematic review of 580 articles from 2015-2024 found that AMR rates vary depending on the bacterium, antibiotic class, and farm animal. The highest AMR rates were found in pigs (60.63%), cattle (48.94%), and poultry (28.43%). The highest AMR rates were found in Mexico, followed by Canada (45.22%) and the USA (42.25%). The review emphasizes the need for better strategies and regulations to control AMR spread in North America.