The widespread use of antibiotics in livestock production has raised significant concerns regarding public health, environmental sustainability, and social well-being. Despite their role in preventing infections and promoting growth in animals, antibiotic use in farming has been linked to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a major threat to human health. This study aims to assess the environmental and social impacts of antibiotic usage in livestock production, with a focus on its contribution to the growing public health crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a systematic review of literature with case studies of antibiotic usage in intensive and extensive livestock systems. The findings reveal that overuse and misuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry are directly associated with increased AMR rates in both animals and humans, resulting in higher healthcare costs, longer treatment durations, and greater mortality. Furthermore, the environmental contamination of soil and water with antibiotic residues is a pressing issue, with potential long-term effects on ecosystems. The study concludes with policy recommendations to limit the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in agriculture, promote alternatives, and enhance global collaboration to address AMR.
