Farmers are affected by antibiotic resistance, in particular through the following:
- The spread of resistant bacteria in soils and the environment
- Certain biocides (such as disinfectants and fungicides) not only promote the spread of bacteria capable of developing resistance to these products, but also the spread of mutant bacteria capable of developing resistance to antibiotics (promoting cross-resistance).
- The use of manure or sewage sludge that has been contaminated with antibiotics and resistant bacteria can introduce these agents into the soil.
- Resistant bacteria can spread to local flora and fauna, as well as to groundwater, thereby increasing the reservoir of resistant bacteria in the environment. - The contamination of agricultural produce
- Resistant bacteria present in the soil or in contaminated water used for irrigation can, in turn, contaminate crops.
- Eating fruit or vegetables that have been contaminated by resistant bacteria can lead to our digestive tract temporarily carrying such bacteria. This temporary state could become permanent if our gut microbiota is disrupted.
Farmers can limit the spread of antibiotic residue and resistant bacteria:
- By optimising the use of biocides (i.e. adhering to indicated use, type, dosage) to minimise the development of cross-resistance; by promoting biopesticides and agroecological practices that preserve microbial balance.
- By monitoring effluent, manure and irrigation practices in France and Europe; by restricting prescriptions of antibiotics for farm animals, thereby minimising contamination of manure (however, there are disparities outside of Europe).
Techniques such as manure composting also help reduce the spread of residual antibiotics into the environment.