Brussels: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has issued a report that indicated that antimicrobial resistance poses a significant long-term threat to food security, livestock production, economic well-being and human health.

According to Oman News Agency, the organization stated that while antimicrobials are essential to protect animal health, their overuse and misuse can accelerate the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

It warned that without decisive action, the global use of antimicrobials in livestock is expected to rise by approximately 30% by 2040, noting that one aspect of this challenge is the use of antimicrobial growth promoters, which are utilized in some livestock production systems to improve growth and feed efficiency.