The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has warned that inappropriate and widespread use of antibiotics poses a growing threat to both animals and human beings.
KEMRI said overdose and failure to complete the medication as prescribed are the major cause of resistance to cure for human beings and animals.
KEMRI further disclosed that there has 70-80 per cent rise in resistance to antibiotics in animals for the last fifteen to twenty years.
“Increasing antibiotic resistance has the potential to endanger both human and animals’ health on a larger scale,” KEMRI Technical Officer Professor Sam Kariuki said.
Speaking today at a Nairobi Hotel during a World Animal Protection (WAP), Professor Kariuki asked farmers to go more organic as an alternative means to increase production.
Kariuki also disputed misconceptions about herbal treatment and said it is naturally medicinal for both human beings and animals.
“We therefor support the production of policies and measures aimed at reducing the use of antibiotics on animals by promoting higher welfare systems in the livestock industry,” Kariuki said.
He said the systems should endorse good housing conditions, health care and the promotion of natural animal behavior.
