ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN NURSERY PIGS: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL OVERVIEW AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat to global public health and the sustainability of animal production, with direct impacts on therapeutic efficacy, food safety, and ecosystem integrity. In intensive pig farming, the nursery phase represents one of the main critical points for the selection and dissemination of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, due to the high antimicrobial pressure imposed during this period. This study aimed to conduct an in-depth literature review on the global and national panorama of AMR in nursery pigs, with emphasis on the physiological, immunological, microbiological, and management factors that favor its emergence and spread. International public policies (European Union, United States, China, Latin America, and Africa), molecular mechanisms of bacterial resistance to the main antimicrobial classes used in pig farming (tetracyclines, colistin, β-lactams, macrolides, among others), as well as the Brazilian context regarding regulation, surveillance, and structural challenges, were analyzed. The review identified significant gaps in traceability systems, inspection, and genomic surveillance, particularly in developing countries, and reinforces the urgency of the integrated One Health approach to contain AMR. It is concluded that mitigating resistance in pig farming, especially in the nursery phase, requires multidimensional strategies combining effective public policies, improved zootechnical practices, laboratory diagnostics, health education, and integrated surveillance across the animal, human, and environmental health sectors.