Punjab intensifies efforts to curb AMR in poultry

September 21, 2026 (MLN): Punjab is stepping up efforts to promote responsible use of antibiotics, tighten biosecurity and improve hygiene at poultry farms in a bid to check antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and safeguard the health of birds.

Poultry Research Institute (PRI) Director Dr Farhan Afzal said in remarks to Wealth Pakistan that educating farmers on prudent antibiotic use, farm cleanliness and effective biosecurity is vital for keeping poultry production healthy and sustainable, according to APP.

He said the Punjab Livestock Department has consistently led awareness drives and other initiatives to ensure healthy poultry production in the province.

Punjab accounts for around 70% of Pakistan's more than 15,000 poultry farms, which makes better farm practices in the province especially important for the country's supply of poultry meat and eggs.

Dr Farhan said the Punjab government is also taking part in activities under the Fleming Fund, an international initiative to tackle antimicrobial resistance in humans and animals.

He warned that misuse and overuse of antibiotics can let bacteria develop resistance to medicines, which makes responsible use important for both animal and human health.

He dismissed suggestions that a "superbug" is currently spreading in Pakistan's poultry sector, saying the term is not scientific and is generally used for bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics.

He said sound production practices, including proper farm management, effective biosecurity, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, can substantially lower disease risks at farms.

He said no major zoonotic disease is currently present in Pakistan's poultry sector, particularly in Punjab. Common bacterial diseases such as E. coli and Salmonella, he added, can be controlled through basic sanitation at the production level and while handling poultry products.

He noted that poultry meat in Pakistani households is generally eaten fully cooked, which kills harmful germs.

On diagnostic and surveillance capacity, Dr Farhan said the Bacteriology Laboratory at PRI Rawalpindi has recently received accreditation from the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC).

He said the accreditation reflects the laboratory's commitment to international standards of quality, technical competence and diagnostic services, and will strengthen avian disease diagnostics, AMR surveillance and quality-assured laboratory services for the sector.

Poultry farmers have meanwhile backed measures to contain AMR, while calling for a broader national biosecurity policy covering antibiotic use in humans, livestock and poultry.

Dr Abdul Karim Bhatti, former Punjab chairman of the Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA), told Wealth Pakistan that unrestricted access to antibiotics remains a major concern.

He called for a complete ban on over-the-counter sales of all types of antibiotics, saying strict enforcement would curb misuse and help contain resistance among humans and animals, including poultry.

Copyright Mettis Link News