Farming, Pharmaceuticals And Sewage Fuel Rise In Superbugs, UN Warns

"Sewage, poor sanitation and a lack of regulation give rise to antimicrobial resistance and threaten global health, report says".

"Pollution from livestock farming, pharmaceuticals and healthcare is threatening to destroy a key pillar of modern medicine, as spills of manure and other pollution into waterways are adding to the global rise of superbugs, the UN has warned.

Animal farming is one of the key sources of strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to all forms of antibiotics, through the overuse of the medicines in farming.

Pharmaceutical pollution of waterways, from drug manufacturing plants, is also a major contributor, along with the failure to provide sanitation and control sewage around the world, and to tackle waste from healthcare facilities. Resistant superbugs can survive in untreated sewage."

Fiona Harvey reports for the Guardian February 7, 2023.

SEE ALSO:

"Bracing For Superbugs: Strengthening Environmental Action In The One Health Response To Antimicrobial Resistance" (UNEP)

 

Source: Guardian, 02/08/2023