Less antibiotics for better animal welfare and better nutrition for people

17/11/2025

It was the 80’s and Jorge Mario López,his wife and his father-in-law opted for a long-term life project. They arrived in the heart of petén, in northern Guatemala. He, 25 years old, began a project of effort, knowledge and commitment with lasting production. Today, having turned 65 years old, with a life dedicated to raising cattle, Jorge remembers the beginnings of his farm as a shared dream, a company that gradually grew, adding learning and, above all, roots.

Forty years later, his father-in-law is gone; but Jorge and his wife have managed to build a family business. Her three children are part of it. He proudly says that “one of my sons is a zootechnician, the other is an agronomist, and my daughter is in charge of the administration.We all contribute somehow, allowing us to improve the farm every year.”

On it’s 582 hectares, spread between forests and meadows, the work is distributed between the herd of goats in grazing and the cows for fattening. But beyond the figures, what distinguishes the López Eguizábal family is its vision of producing: a livestock that seeks balance in its results between productive and economic profitability while safeguarding animal welfare and the preservation of nature.

“I used to think that trees in pastures were a nuisance,” jorge acknowledges. “Now I understand that they are necessary: they provide shade, relieve the heat, help make livestock less stressed and capture greenhouse gases. Today we are committed to a silvopastoral system; we want a greener and more sustainable farm”.

Four decades of work i

Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: A One health Approach in Petén, guatemala

antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat to human, animal, and environmental health, with significant implications for food security and sustainable development. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) are jointly raising awareness with the slogan: “Let’s act now: let’s protect our present, let’s secure our future.” This story, part of a series highlighting the real-world impact of AMR in the Americas, focuses on the experiences of a family farm in Petén, Guatemala, demonstrating the importance of a “One Health” approach.

Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance and the One Health Concept

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites – evolve and no longer respond to the medicines designed to kill them.This makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies AMR as one of the biggest public health threats facing the world today.

The “One Health” concept recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Addressing AMR effectively requires collaboration across all three sectors. inappropriate use of antimicrobials in any sector – human medicine, animal agriculture, or the environment – accelerates the development and spread of resistance.

A Guatemalan Farm Embraces Responsible Practices

Jorge Ricardo, a zootechnician in Petén, Guatemala, and his family exemplify the One Health approach through their conscientious livestock practices. Their farm, López Eguizábal, demonstrates that sustainable and responsible animal husbandry is possible.

“Animals are part of our ecosystem. If we take good care of them, we preserve the environment while protecting the health of the people who consume our products,” Jorge Ricardo explains. He emphasizes the importance of seeking professional veterinary or zootechnician advice before administering antibiotics to livestock. He cautions against relying solely on recommendations from agro-service stores or veterinary product retailers who may not fully understand the animal’s needs.

The Dangers of Antibiotic Misuse

The inappropriate use of antibiotics is a major driver of AMR. Overuse and misuse in agriculture, driven by factors like growth promotion and preventative treatment rather than treating actual infections, contribute significantly to the problem.This practice creates selective pressure, allowing resistant bacteria to thrive and spread.

As the World Health Organization (WHO) states, when antibiotics are used unnecessarily, they kill bacteria, but also allow resistant bacteria to grow and multiply. These resistant bacteria can then spread to other animals and people.

Sustainable Livestock Farming: A Model for the Future

The López Eguizábal farm’s story highlights the potential for sustainable livestock farming that prioritizes animal welfare, environmental protection, and public health. By focusing on preventative care,responsible antibiotic use,and expert consultation,the family is contributing to the fight against AMR.

Their approach demonstrates that livestock farming can be a viable and responsible livelihood when guided by “love, knowledge and respect for life.” This story is one of many being shared by PAHO, FAO, WOAH, and UNEP to illustrate the far-reaching consequences of AMR and the urgent need for coordinated action.

This is story No. 3 in a series.You can learn more about the impact of AMR in the Region of the Americas through the other stories released by PAHO, FAO, WOAH, and UNEP. Continued awareness, responsible practices, and collaborative efforts are crucial to protecting our present and securing our future against the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.