The closed-house system is an advanced method that reduces the risk of external contamination. — Photos: Ayam Bismi
Antibiotics are a cornerstone of modern poultry farming, essential for treating infections, preventing disease outbreaks, and improving productivity.
However, their widespread use in agriculture has sparked growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health challenge that impacts both human and animal health.
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines (antibiotics) used to control or kill these microorganisms.
It has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century, with an estimated 700,000 deaths occurring annually worldwide.
Left unaddressed, AMR could result in trillions of dollars in economic losses, and without immediate intervention, the world risks entering a post-antibiotic era, where even common infections become untreatable.
Like all countries, AMR is a significant concern in Malaysia.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) and the Health Ministry have been collaborating for years under the “One Health” approach.
This comprehensive framework, which calls for coordinated efforts at the human-animal-environment interface, was formally implemented with the 2017 launch of Malaysia’s National Strategic Plan on AMR.
It emphasises the need for strengthened surveillance systems, responsible antimicrobial use and improved food safety practices.
Chicks drinking sanitised water to maintain good hygiene and proper nutrition.
A necessity in agriculture
Antimicrobials are widely used in agriculture, particularly in the veterinary and aquaculture sectors, to enhance animal growth and prevent diseases.
However, excessive or improper use can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or “superbugs,” which can spread to humans through food or direct contact.
Some of the most common bacteria found in poultry include Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
These bacteria can cause infections ranging from respiratory issues to septicaemia (blood poisoning).
Salmonella bacteria can originate from various environmental sources, including contaminated feed, water, or litter within poultry housing.
These bacteria are highly persistent in the environment and can survive on surfaces and equipment, making biosecurity practices crucial.
Additionally, infected breeding stock can transmit Salmonella vertically to eggs and chicks, perpetuating the infection across generations of poultry.
E. coli on the other hand, is a normal part of the gut flora in warm-blooded animals and humans.
However, pathogenic strains can develop and thrive in conditions involving contaminated feed, water, or poor sanitation.
Dirty living environments and overcrowding can exacerbate the spread and impact these harmful strains, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks in poultry flocks.
The pathogens above are of particular concern due to their impact on poultry health, farm productivity and potential transmission to humans.
Studies conducted by the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) highlight the prevalence of AMR in poultry farming.
A 2018–2019 study on broiler farms in Peninsular Malaysia revealed that 82% of Salmonella isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR).
Another 2016 study published in the Malaysian Journal of Veterinary Research revealed that 81.6% of E.coli isolates from chicken exhibited MDR profiles.
The highest resistance rates were noted for antibiotics such as erythromycin (52.8%), tetracycline (52%), and spectinomycin (39.2%), among others.
Most isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, with some showing resistance to more than eight.
These findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance and consumer education to reduce AMR risks.
Dr Hanafi monitors the quality of the feed to ensure its nutritional value and physical condition are suitable for chicken consumption.
Yu Qiu, an animal health officer at the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, emphasised the severe risks AMR poses to food safety and public health.
“Resistant bacteria in animals can contaminate meat, dairy and eggs, leading to foodborne illnesses and hard-to-treat infections in humans,” he said at a recent Global Media Forum on AMR.
“These infections require longer, more intensive treatments, placing a significant burden on public health systems.”
Beyond health risks, AMR increases food production costs, as farmers must seek alternative treatments for livestock, raising the cost of production and reducing productivity.
This combination threatens global food security and heightens pressure on vulnerable populations.
Local operations
Antibiotics remain essential in poultry farming, but their misuse poses significant risks.
One of the largest Muslim poultry farms in Malaysia, Ayam Bismi, has adopted measures to reduce these risks.
Based in Alor Setar, Kedah, the company operates 18 farms and processes up to 30,000 chickens per day, a sharp increase from the initial capacity of 3,000 chickens per day in 1988, when it was first established.
According to veterinarian Dr Mohd Hanafi Ramali, without antibiotics, the risk of disease spreading among flocks is much higher, potentially leading to devastating losses.
“We rotate antibiotics to prevent bacteria from developing resistance to specific drugs and conduct regular antibiotic sensitivity tests in internal labs.
“These tests help ensure only the most effective antibiotics are used, reducing the risk of resistance,” he said.
In addition to traditional antibiotics, farmers are also feeding their animals with probiotic and prebiotic supplements to maintain poultry health.
These alternatives help reduce the reliance on antibiotics while maintaining animal health.
“Probiotics help maintain a healthy gut environment in chickens, which is crucial for their immunity.
“We also incorporate organic acids in the feed to support gut health and reduce inflammation.
“Additionally, organo-based extracts are utilised to reduce stress in chickens.
“While these dietary supplements are primarily preventive, aimed at avoiding the escalation of health issues, they can be expensive,” explained Dr Hanafi, who heads Ayam Bismi’s Poultry Health Department.
Nonetheless, such measures are crucial for maintaining the overall health of chickens and preventing potential disease outbreaks.
In the event of a disease outbreak, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is used to identify the type of disease while antibody levels are monitored via a blood test.
If the outbreak is deemed critical, animals are culled and disposed of safely, either through burial or incineration, in compliance with government regulations.
The company also uses a closed housing system i.e. chickens are bred indoors to reduce the risk of disease spread and further mitigate the need for antibiotics.
He added: “By transitioning from open houses to closed systems, we can better control the environment, reducing bacterial infections and the need for antibiotics.”
This silo system delivers feed to the feeder pans through sensors.
Striking a balance
A significant challenge in large-scale poultry farming is ensuring all workers adhere to proper antibiotic usage guidelines.
Continuous education and training are essential so workers understand the risks of improper antibiotic use.
Due to the difficulties in obtaining local workers, many foreigners from Nepal and Bangladesh are recruited to work on poultry farms.
“We invest in training programmes to ensure our workers, many of whom come from different countries, understand the importance of proper medication usage,” said Dr Hanafi.
Poultry farms such as Ayam Bismi also employ a centralised digital system that allows for efficient monitoring of antibiotic use across all its farms, helping to quickly identify any instances of misuse or overuse.
While antibiotics are crucial for maintaining animal health, their use must be carefully regulated to prevent AMR from escalating into a pandemic.
In Malaysia, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency oversees the approval of antibiotics for agricultural use to ensure safety.
“Consumers today are more conscious about the food they consume and we aim to provide them with foods that are both safe and responsibly produced,” said Dr Hanafi
Collaboration among farmers, regulators and consumers is key to ensuring sustainable practices that protect both human and animal health, ultimately securing food safety for future generations.
