Abstract

This review examines the complex landscape of antimicrobial use in livestock health management across Central and West Africa. It traces the historical development and current trends of antimicrobial usage in the region’s livestock sector, highlighting its critical role in disease prevention and treatment. The review explores unique challenges, including limited veterinary infrastructure, inadequate regulation, and poor surveillance systems that may contribute to antimicrobial misuse and overuse. It climaxes the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in regional livestock production, considering its potential impact on animal health, food security, and public health. The review assesses current AMR mitigation strategies and explores promising alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. By synthesizing available research and identifying knowledge gaps, this review has provided a comprehensive overview of antimicrobial use in Central and West African livestock, while proposing sustainable solutions to combat AMR. The observations underscore the need for novel approaches e.g. the One Health approach in addressing this critical issue.

Keywords:Antimicrobial resistance; Livestock health; West Africa; Central Africa; One health