Expert Sheds Light on Veterinary Drug Residues and One Health Framework

Tosin Clegg

In an era where human, animal, and environmental health are intrinsically linked, Akinbode Okunola, a Ph.D. candidate in Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA, is at the forefront of research into food regulations. Alongside co-authors Elliott Dennis, Matt Hille, and John Beghin, Okunola is pioneering a new understanding of veterinary drug residues and their implications for public health and global trade.

His research into the regulation of veterinary drug residues in livestock and aquaculture production has garnered significant attention from academic and policy communities worldwide. The study highlights the critical role of such regulations in ensuring food safety, sustaining global trade, and protecting public health.

In 2023, Okunola presented his findings at the International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium (IATRC) in Florida, USA, and the 17th International Symposium on Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics (ISVEE) in Australia. These platforms brought together trade experts, veterinarians, epidemiologists, and economists for robust discussions on the intersections of veterinary drug use, trade, and health.

Okunola’s work critically examines adherence to maximum residue limit (MRL) standards established by Codex Alimentarius, a global benchmark for food safety. His findings highlight disparities in how countries enforce or deviate from Codex standards, revealing the broader implications for health, trade, and regulatory practices.

In the research paper obtained by this medium, using the One Health framework, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, Okunola’s research addresses one of the most pressing global challenges: drug resistance. The misuse of veterinary drugs in animals and aquaculture has exacerbated the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Veterinary drug residues, often transmitted through food products or the environment, pose significant risks to human health.

Recognizing this, Okunola’s research highlights proactive measures in regions like the United States and the European Union, where soil and water monitoring systems help detect drug residues. Additionally, stringent MRLs are being established to ensure food safety and mitigate the risk of drug resistance.

The study draws from an extensive dataset of over 600,000 records, encompassing 406 veterinary drugs and 164 commodities across 88 countries. By comparing national standards with Codex Alimentarius guidelines, Okunola quantifies deviations and investigates their underlying motivations—whether they stem from precautionary science-based principles or trade protectionism.

The results are striking: 88% of global MRLs align with Codex standards where they exist, demonstrating widespread adherence to internationally recognized benchmarks. However, 8% of MRLs are more stringent, reflecting precautionary policies, while 3% are less rigorous, raising concerns about gaps in regulatory oversight. These findings underscore the need to expand Codex MRL coverage, ensuring uniformity and science-based policymaking across regions.

Okunola’s academic background in agricultural and resource economics, combined with his professional experience in Nigeria’s livestock industry, uniquely positions him to address these challenges. With a strong foundation from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and ongoing doctoral research in Nebraska, he has honed expertise in empirical modeling, regulatory analysis, and data-driven policymaking.

His work in Nigeria’s livestock sector, which includes pioneering renewable energy innovations and enhancing business efficiency, reflects his commitment to sustainable livestock production. As an advocate for informed policymaking, Okunola aspires to contribute to global health, food production, and equitable trade practices.

By advocating for expanded Codex standards and equitable regulatory frameworks, Okunola’s research offers a roadmap to harmonizing global trade practices while safeguarding public health and environmental integrity. His work serves as a beacon of hope in combating the growing threat of drug resistance and its impacts on global health systems.