A new study by researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University has revealed alarming levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the country’s poultry sector. Published in the Asian-Australasian Journal of Food Safety and Security, the review analyzed two decades of research and found that over 75% of E. coli samples from poultry farms were multidrug-resistant, with the MCR-1 gene detected, rendering key antibiotics like colistin ineffective. Residues of fluoroquinolone and tetracycline were found in 22% and 18% of chicken meat samples respectively, exceeding safe limits. The study warns that unregulated antibiotic use for growth promotion and disease prevention in small and medium farms is driving the spread of resistant bacteria to humans through the food chain. In addition to health threats, untreated poultry waste is polluting soil and water. Researchers urge adopting a 'One Health' approach, stricter regulation of antibiotic sales, improved farm biosecurity, and promotion of probiotic and herbal alternatives to ensure safe and sustainable poultry production.