Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Ministry of Agriculture has warned farmers about the increasing resistance of livestock to antimicrobial drugs, a trend that has led to the deaths of many animals and poses a serious threat to food security in Eswatini.
Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Mandla Tshawuka, cautioned that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a direct threat to the health of the country’s livestock and the environment, was speaking during an interview with this publication on November 24, 2025.
Resistant microbes emerge and spread when antibiotics are misused or overused particularly for growth promotion or for treating illnesses that do not require them, putting entire herds and flocks at risk while reducing productivity.
“Farmers often overuse these medications, unaware that they are contributing to the rise in antimicrobial resistance. In many cases, due to a lack of knowledge, they misdiagnose animals and administer drugs that are not suitable for the illness,” Tshawuka said.
The Minister urged farmers to consult their local veterinary extension officers, emphasizing that self-diagnosis is the leading cause of AMR. Misuse of antibiotics, he added, can result in the death of animals due to ineffective treatments.
Hon. Mandla Tshawuka outlined several measures farmers should adopt to curb the spread of AMR: Separate sick animals from healthy ones to prevent infection, Vaccinate animals where possible to reduce disease, Keep accurate treatment records for every animal, Improve farm hygiene and biosecurity, Properly dispose of expired medications.
He also stressed that vaccination against preventable diseases is critical in reducing the need for antibiotics.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) ends November 24,2025 Tshawuka reminded farmers and the public that responsibility continues year-round. “Let’s continue handling antimicrobials with care every day, on every farm, with every treatment,” he said.
The Minister encourages farmers, veterinary professionals, retailers, and the public to act now to protect the medicines essential for animal health and food systems.
Tips to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
Use antibiotics only when prescribed by a veterinary professional
Improve hygiene, feeding, and housing conditions for animals
Never share or reuse leftover medicines
Report sick animals early
Contact your nearest veterinary office for proper diagnosis and treatment
The Ministry of Agriculture also celebrates the many farmers who are successfully strengthening animal health while reducing reliance on antibiotics. Through improved hygiene, vaccination, biosecurity, and feeding practices, they are preventing infections before they occur a strategy that is both effective and cost-efficient.
“Prevention is powerful and it is cheaper. Let learn from their example and continue building healthy, resilient herds and flocks. Together, we can slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Act now: protect our present, secure our future,” Tshawuka concluded.
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