Poultry at the crossroads of antimicrobial resistance: Global challenges and sustainable solutions

Antimicrobial resistance in poultry production represents a rapidly intensifying global challenge at the intersection of animal agriculture, human health and environmental sustainability. This review sy n thesizes molecular, epidemiological and ecological evidence to identify the mechanisms driving the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance within poultry systems. Analysis of international data shows that selective antimicrobial pressure, horizontal gene transfer and environmental co-selection contribute to the formation of a dynamic and interconnected resistome. Particular attention is given to plasmid-mediated ESBL and mcr determinants, which facilitate the exchange of resistance genes among Escherichia coli , Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter spp. across poultry, wildlife and human pop u lations. These molecular processes are consistent with epidemiological findings demonstrating overla p ping genomic profiles among isolates from farms, wild birds and clinical cases. The persistence of r e sistance reservoirs along the farm–environment interface is promoted by intensive production, inad e quate biosecurity and manure mismanagement. Effective mitigation requires integrating antimicrobial stewardship, vaccination, improved biosecurity and precision livestock technologies, supported by promising biological alternatives such as probiotics, phytobiotics, bacteriophages and mesenchymal stem cell secretome. Strengthening molecular surveillance, environmental monitoring and One Health governance can shift AMR control from reactive interventions to preventive strategies, promoting a more sustainable and antibiotic-independent poultry sector.