Chongqing - On April 18, Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality announced that the Rongchang District will host the International Symposium on Pathways to Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials to Support Sustainable Livestock Transformation on April 25. 

Over 50 international experts from 35 countries will attend the event, including the US, Brazil, the UK, Germany, Italy, Japan, and India. The symposium will gather almost 50 top livestock enterprises for direct exchange with academics and experts.

Reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) involves lowering antimicrobial doses in livestock to prevent resistant microorganisms. It is a key research area for animal husbandry practitioners, merging scientific advancements with practical applications to protect livestock industries.

Hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the People's Government of Rongchang District, Chongqing, this two-day conference will delve into strategies for reducing antimicrobial use by sharing best practices, discussing implementation measures, and building consensus on sustainable antimicrobial practices across countries.

"The outcomes and consensus reached at the symposium are scheduled to be presented at the United Nations High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance in September, " said Li Dong, Deputy Mayor of Rongchang District.

The symposium will feature keynotes, discussions, and presentations, with 25 animal health and food safety experts and young scholars sharing insights. Three renowned experts will deliver keynotes on the global impact of antimicrobial resistance, microorganisms' contribution to agriculture's green development, and an overview of the FAO's antimicrobial resistance work and the RENOFARM initiative.

"Rongchang district is the birthplace and a major production area of the Rongchang pig and houses numerous national platforms like the National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs," said Huang Xiangyang, Secretary General of China Animal Health and Food Safety Alliance. "This symposium will leverage these resources and China's experience in reducing antimicrobial use to foster global cooperation."

Rongchang pigs are known for their rapid growth rate and efficient feed conversion, making them economically valuable for pig farming. The pigs produce high-quality meat with good marbling and flavor, making them popular in both domestic and international markets.