Antibiotics in Animal Health
A section of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382).
Section Information
Huge amounts of antibiotics are administrated annually to almost all domestic animal species for treatment or prophylaxis of infectious diseases or as feed additives for their growth-promoting effect. Antibiotics are needed to fight infectious diseases caused by specific animal pathogens. The development of new antibiotics with higher efficacy and lower toxicity remains of tremendous importance. However, antibiotics alter the microbiota of animals, possibly leading to an impaired health status. Additionally, antibiotic pressure can result in the selection of antibiotic resistances in specific pathogens but also in the natural microbiota of animals. The antibiotics administered and the selected resistant microorganisms are released into the environment. Humans can also be contaminated by these antibiotics and resistant bacteria through direct contact with animals or indirectly through the consumption of food products. Many bacterial species (especially those of the gut microbiota) are shared between humans and animals. Furthermore, specific animal pathogens can be transmitted to humans in the context of zoonotic diseases. Overall, the use of antibiotics in animals has a significant impact on the environment and animal and human health. A one-health approach is needed to monitor and control the potential consequences of the administration of antibiotics in animals.
Editorial Board
Topical Advisory Panel
Special Issues
Following special issues within this section are currently open for submissions:
- Epidemiology of Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens in Animals: A One Health Perspective (Deadline: 31 July 2026)
- Risks and Current Knowledge of Antimicrobial Resistance in Companion Animals (Deadline: 31 July 2026)
- Rational Use of Antibiotics in Veterinary Medicine (Deadline: 31 August 2026)
- Companion Animals: Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens Associated with Skin and Ear Infections (Deadline: 31 August 2026)
- Research Advances in Antimicrobial Stewardship, Residues and Resistance in Veterinary and Environmental Science (Deadline: 10 September 2026)
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Infections in Veterinary Settings (Deadline: 30 September 2026)
- Veterinary Antibiotics in Food-Producing Animals: Residue Detection, Risk Assessment and Regulatory Advances (Deadline: 30 September 2026)
- Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Resistance of Pathogens Isolated from Animals (Deadline: 30 September 2026)
- Evidence in Antibiotic Mastitis Therapy (Deadline: 31 October 2026)
- Genomic Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Animals and Animal-Derived Foods (Deadline: 31 October 2026)
- Virulence, Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilm Production in Veterinary, Zoonotic and Food-Related Pathogens, 2nd Edition (Deadline: 30 November 2026)
- Epidemiology of Zoonotic Pathogens in Ruminants: A One Health Perspective (Deadline: 30 November 2026)
- Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens from Animals and Animal-Derived Products: A One Health Perspective (Deadline: 30 December 2026)
- The One Health Perspective: Unveiling Animal and Zoonotic Microbiota in the Frame of Antimicrobial Resistance (Deadline: 31 December 2026)
- Antibiotic Resistance in Agricultural Environments: Emergence, Drivers and Mitigation (Deadline: 31 December 2026)
- Antimicrobial Resistance: Epidemiology and Implications for Veterinary Medicine (Deadline: 31 December 2026)
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Food Chain: Detection Gaps and Mitigation Strategies (Deadline: 31 December 2026)
- Surveillance and Mitigation of Antimicrobial Resistance Across the Food Chain (Deadline: 31 December 2026)
- Feature Review in "Antibiotics in Animal Health" Section 2026 (Deadline: 31 December 2026)
- Antibiotic Resistance in a One Health Context: Bridging Environmental, Agricultural, Nutritional, Veterinary, and Clinical Perspectives, 2nd Edition (Deadline: 31 January 2027)
- Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals and Animal Products and Its Environmental Transmission Aspects, Second Edition (Deadline: 28 February 2027)