From Farm to Pharma: Lessons from India’s Antibiotic Ban
India’s 2019 ban on colistin shows how clear science, strong leadership, and industry support can shape smarter antibiotic rules for livestock.
Antibiotic resistance isn’t just a human health issue — it’s an industry issue. Around the world, livestock producers are under pressure to reduce antibiotic use without compromising animal health or profitability. A recent study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) sheds light on how India tackled this challenge by banning colistin, a “last-resort” antibiotic vital for treating severe human infections.
Why Colistin Matters
Colistin is one of the few antibiotics left that still works against highly resistant bacteria in people. But for years, it was also used in poultry and livestock. When scientists in China found mobile colistin-resistance genes in pigs back in 2015, it set off alarm bells globally — and spurred countries, including India, to take action.
How India Made the Move
The RVC research team, working with several Indian veterinary universities, reviewed government policies, reports, and interviews with local vets. They identified five key drivers that helped India move from debate to action:
Global Trigger Events: Discoveries abroad highlighted the danger of continued colistin use in animals.
Clear Messaging: Consistent communication that colistin is a “last-resort” drug for humans built public and policy support.
Evidence-Based Motivation: Early data showed low resistance levels in people — a strong case to protect colistin before it was too late.
Leadership & Global Example: Other countries were already restricting use, and India wanted to show leadership in global antibiotic stewardship.
Industry Cooperation: Crucially, poultry and pharmaceutical sectors supported the ban rather than fighting it.
Lessons for the Meat Industry
Policies like India’s aren’t just paperwork — they reshape how we keep animals healthy. Limiting antibiotics pushes producers and vets to focus on better husbandry, biosecurity, and preventive health, not just medication. It also means working together across supply chains to manage animal health sustainably.
The Big Picture
The study shows that antibiotic policy takes time, teamwork, and trust. Success depends on scientists, governments, and industry leaders sharing the same goal — protecting both livestock productivity and public health.
Takeaway for meat professionals:
Proactive antibiotic management isn’t just compliance — it’s a competitive advantage for a sustainable, trusted meat industry.