The Rising Threat of Antibiotic Resistance in Poultry: Veterinary and One Health Perspectives

The extensive application of antibiotics in poultry production has resulted in the emergence of resistant bacteria, which pose a great threat to the health of birds and humans. In this review, the literature is searched using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies concerning antimicrobial resistance in poultry, the One Health approach, and alternative strategies to antibiotics are included, while studies not in English, opinion-based papers, and studies not related to poultry or AMR are excluded. This review explores the increasing challenges of antibiotic resistance in poultry, emphasizing the One Health framework related to animal, human, and environmental health. The risks of zoonotic transmission from poultry, the mode of development of resistance, and alternative antibiotics (comprising probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and essential oils) are the key topics discussed. This review further touches on critical barriers in fighting antibiotic resistance, which include economic constraints, a lack of awareness, and coordination challenges. This study highlights regulatory and consumer-driven changes in antibiotic use. The poultry industry can reduce the use of antibiotics by adopting the One Health approach and implementing evidence-based alternatives that support productivity. However, sustainable solutions require further research, policy reforms, and collaboration across sectors.