By Mike Visser 20 December 2023
Namibia stands as a pioneering beacon in the realm of sustainable meat production, having taken a momentous step 26 years ago by prohibiting the routine use of antibiotics in its beef industry. This bold move not only showcases the industry’s prosperity but also exemplifies that large-scale meat production can thrive without depleting one of modern medicine’s most valuable resources.
Globally, the widespread practice of administering antibiotics to food-producing animals, including cattle, pigs, poultry, and fish, has been prevalent to expedite growth and prevent diseases in confined settings. However, the escalating usage of antibiotics in animal husbandry has triggered concerns about the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a phenomenon backed by scientific evidence.
Dr. Kazuaki Miyagishima, Director of the Department of Food Safety and Zoonoses at WHO, underscores this alarming trend, emphasizing that the excessive use of antibiotics in animals significantly contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance.
Namibia’s trailblazing approach began in 1991 with legislation prohibiting the utilization of hormones and antibiotics for growth promotion in the beef industry. Rosa Katjivena, the quality assurance executive of the Meat Corporation of Namibia, sheds light on the strict protocols. Antibiotics are permitted solely for treating bacterial diseases, mandating prescriptions from veterinarians to curb overuse and thwart the evolution of antibiotic-resistant superbugs like MRSA and certain strains of salmonella.
The World Health Organization (WHO), in its efforts to combat antibiotic resistance, has introduced guidelines advocating for the restriction of antibiotics’ routine use for growth promotion and disease prevention in healthy animals. Collaborating with Namibia’s government, WHO is instrumental in formulating a national action plan aligned with the global initiative against antimicrobial resistance.
The nation’s strategy not only emphasizes prudent antibiotic use but also focuses on preventive measures to curb infections among animals. Enhanced animal welfare, hygiene, and spacious living conditions replace the reliance on medicinal preventive practices. This approach not only ensures superior meat quality but also minimizes stress levels in animals, subsequently benefiting consumers.
Contrary to initial concerns about competitive disadvantage, Namibia experienced an upsurge in demand for quality, antibiotic-free meat. The European Union, a pivotal market, prohibits antibiotic use and hormones in meat production, aligning seamlessly with Namibia’s legislation. This alignment resulted in premium pricing and increased market share.
Moreover, in countries where regulations on antibiotic use lack stringency, health-conscious consumers are propelling the expansion of antibiotic-free meat markets. Namibia’s groundbreaking stance facilitated its eligibility to export premium meat to the United States, marking a significant milestone in its meat industry’s growth trajectory.
Namibia’s foresight and commitment to sustainable meat production not only serve as a blueprint for other nations but also reinforce the fundamental role of responsible antibiotic usage in safeguarding human and animal health while ensuring a thriving meat industry.
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