New Delhi, Sept. 29 -- New Delhi: The government has banned the import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of 34 antimicrobial medicines for animal use, as it seeks to curb potential antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among humans, according to a notification reviewed by Mint and officials familiar with the matter.

The decision, taken after consultations with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, covers 15 antibiotics, 18 antivirals and one antiprotozoal.

The government said that the ban was necessary in public interest, given the "availability of safer alternatives to the said drugs for animal use", according to the notification dated 23 September,2025.

The overuse of drugs such as antibiotics in livestock is a known driver of drug resista...