Global research trends on antimicrobial resistance in farm animals: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered one of the foremost global public health threats affecting both human and animal health. The intensive use of antibiotics in farm animals promotes the selection and dissemination of resistance genes across diverse reservoirs. This study characterised worldwide scientific publication patterns on AMR in farm animals using bibliometric methods. A systematic search of the Web of Science (WOS) database was conducted using the keywords "antimicrobial resistance", "antibiotic resistance", "AMR" and "livestock", covering 1980–2024. Of 850 initially retrieved records, 835 articles met inclusion criteria and were analysed using VOSviewer (v1.6.20) and Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny (R v4.2.2). The 835 articles received 18,142 citations, yielding a mean citation rate of 29.98 per article and an H-index of 74. Publications and citations increased markedly from 2015 onwards. A total of 87.67% of articles were indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded. Microbiology (26.47%), veterinary sciences (24.79%) and infectious diseases (21.80%) were the leading research categories. The USA (17.96%), England (14.13%) and China (9.94%) were the most productive countries, while CGIAR (Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) and the International Livestock Research Institute led at the institutional level. Global scientific output on AMR in farm animals has accelerated considerably over the past decade. The convergence of microbiology, veterinary sciences and public health underscores the need for interdisciplinary, One Health approaches. This bibliometric analysis provides a foundational reference for identifying research gaps and setting future priorities.