How Prevention Reduces the Need for Antibiotics.
Pathways to Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation.
A new publication from the Animal Health sector with support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), How Prevention Reduces the Need for Antibiotics has been released. The report is a critical contribution to the global discussion on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as nations prepare for the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting on AMR on 26 September.
The report:
- Outlines the tools and practices that can reduce the need for antimicrobials in livestock production such as vaccination, biosecurity, genetics, digital technologies and more.
- Provides data on successes achieved, including reductions at farm, national and regional level, increases in vaccine adoption and management of resistance.
- Offers case studies demonstrating how prevention has been implemented through on-the-ground projects and cross-sectoral collaboration.
Ben Stapley, Executive Director of the peak body that represents the leaders of the animal health industry, Animal Medicines Australia, commended the report.
“Antimicrobials are critical tools essential for animal welfare and safe food production systems. Keeping our animals healthy through improved hygiene, nutrition, biosecurity, vaccination and other preventative health measures minimises will protect the long-term viability of our agrifood systems”, said Mr Stapley.
For the full report, please go to the Animal Medicines Australia website: How Prevention Reduces the Need for Antibiotics – Animal Medicines Australia
Additional Reading
Protecting animal health can help prevent bacterial disease in livestock, thus reducing the need for antimicrobial treatments. Reducing the need for antibiotics requires a range of animal health tools, from vaccination to genetics to nutrition. Each can make a positive contribution, but when combined, they can provide outsized results. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in reducing antibiotic need.
Nutrition supplements improve animals innate defence against disease
Products like probiotics, essential oils and nutraceuticals are an emerging class of products that can strengthen livestock gut health and natural immune system, which allows them to better fend off disease without needing antibiotics.
Increasing vaccine use is a proven method
Global sales of animal health products show that as vaccine sales have increased in recent years, antimicrobial sales have declined in a near-mirror image. Increasing adoption of vaccines to reduce bacterial disease pressure is a proven way to reduce the need for antibiotics.
Biosecurity keeps bacterial disease off the farm and away from animals
Biosecurity means implementing practices to keep bacteria off the farm altogether. This can range from simple measures like boot washing stations to high-tech filtration systems. A review of 27 studies across 16 countries found 70% of results showed a positive association between farm biosecurity and management with a reduction in antimicrobial usage.