India’s Landmark Decision to Ban Antimicrobials in Livestock

Pashu Sandesh, 14 Aug 2025

Dr Sheetal 

In mid-2025, the Indian government officially banned the use of 18 antibiotics, 18 antivirals, and one anti-protozoal drug across a broad spectrum of animal categories — including egg-laying birds, milch animals (like dairy cattle), bees, cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs. The prohibition applies at any stage of production, including processing of products like animal casings. This step aims to eliminate both misuse and residues of these drugs in food products.

These substances are critically important in human medicine—including carbapenems, glycopeptides, oxazolidinones, as well as antivirals like favipiravir and molnupiravir, and the antiprotozoal nitazoxanide.

Why the Ban? Public Health and Global Alignment

Tackling AMR: Overuse of such drugs in animals can foster resistance, which may transfer to humans through food consumption, direct contact, or environmental contamination. Around 600,000 deaths per year in India are linked to AMR.

Complying with Trade Norms: The move aligns India with global regulatory standards—especially stringent European Union norms that reserve critical antimicrobials for human use only.

Moreover, FSSAI’s earlier 2024 amendment (effective April 2025) banned certain antibiotic classes—like glycopeptides, nitrofurans, and nitroimidazoles—and specific drugs such as carbadox, chloramphenicol, colistin, streptomycin, and sulphamethoxazole in food-animal production across milk, meat, poultry, eggs, and aquaculture.

Monitoring and Enforcement

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has directed states and Union Territories to collect data on antimicrobial use in livestock. They’ve requested veterinary regulators and animal husbandry departments to work jointly in establishing a national system for monitoring the manufacture, sale, import, and use of veterinary antimicrobials.

⁠Broader Context and Comparative Perspective

India’s measures echo global momentum: many countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore) have already restricted antimicrobial use in livestock. India has pledged to reduce antimicrobial use in agrifood systems by 30–50% by 2030, reflecting commitments under the Muscat Ministerial Manifesto.

Yet, implementing these bans remains challenging, with critics emphasizing the need for robust enforcement, residue testing, and transparency to ensure consumer trust.

Why This Matters: A One-Health Win

Safeguards Human Health: Reduces the risk of drug-resistant infections stemming from animal-derived food.

Enhances Trade Compliance: Aligns with international import standards—especially the EU.

Strengthens One-Health Framework: Links human, animal, and environmental health efforts to address AMR holistically.

Challenges Ahead

Enforcement Gaps: Without rigorous inspection and residue testing, actual compliance remains uncertain. 

Need for Alternatives: Farmers must have access to safe, effective veterinary options and better husbandry practices.

Consumer Trust: Ongoing transparency, public education, and visible results are essential to build confidence.

Final Thoughts

India’s ban on critical antimicrobials in livestock is a courageous and necessary step in combating AMR and ensuring food safety. The success of this policy will hinge on effective implementation, surveillance, international cooperation, and supporting stakeholders—from farmers to pharmaceutical manufacturers—in transitioning to safer and sustainable practices.