How livestock spread drug-resistant bacteria to humans

Healthy-looking livestock can harbour antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pass them to humans through contaminated food, water, animal handling and the environment, microbiologists have warned. The experts explained that resistant bacteria can live harmlessly in the intestines of cattle, sheep, goats and chickens, warning that inappropriate antibiotic use in livestock can promote the survival and spread of resistant strains. They further warned that the organisms could be passed out in animal faeces and contaminate food, water and the environment, adding that poor hygiene during slaughter, handling and preparation of meat and other animal products could facilitate their transmission to humans. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria and other microorganisms change in ways that make medicines used to treat infections less effective.