185 Quantitative and qualitative antimicrobial usage patterns infarrow-to-finish pig herds in Belgium France Germany and Sweden (Research paper – Sjolund, 2016)

/in , , , , , , , , , /by

 

 

185 Research paper – Sjolund – 2016 – Quantitative and qualitative antimicrobial usage patterns infarrow-to-finish pig herds in Belgium France Germany and Sweden

In Significant Impact Groups: AMU reduction strategies \ Monitoring and surveillance; Antibiotic use
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
The aim of this study was to compare antimicrobial usage for pigs by age category, antimicrobial class and administration route for farrow-to-finish herds in four EU countries. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 farrow-to-finish pig herds in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden. The Swedish herds had the lowest and the German herds the highest overall use. Most treatments were applied to weaned piglets except in the Swedish herds (with more frequent treatment of suckling piglets). Antimicrobials were most often applied through feed or water except in the Swedish herds where parenteral treatments were most frequent. Aminopenicillins was the antimicrobial class most commonly used. Belgian herd use of third and fourth generation cephalosporins was higher compared to the other countries. In summary, there were large differences in antimicrobial use for pigs between countries, herds and age groups in farrow-to-finish herds of similar size.

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27435645; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.06.003
Country: BE; SE; FR; DE; CH

177 Farm-economic analysis of reducing antimicrobial use whilst adopting improved management strategies on farrow-to-finish pig farms (Research paper – Rojo-Gimeno, 2016)

/in , , , , , /by

 

 

177 Research paper – Rojo-Gimeno – 2016 – Farm-economic analysis of reducing antimicrobial use whilst adopting improved management strategies on farrow-to-finish pig farms

Biosecurity \ Pathogen management
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
In the present study the economic impact of reduction of antimicrobial use coupled with improved management strategies, particularly biosecurity strategies was analysed. Interventions on antimicrobial use reduction were performed on farrow-to-finish pig farms in Flanders (northern region of Belgium). Results show costs of new biosecurity measures (median + 3.96 euro/sow/year), and new vaccinations (median 0.00/sow/year) did not exceed the cost reduction achieved by lowering the use of antimicrobials (median − 7.68 euro/sow/year). No negative effect of reducing antimicrobial use was observed on technical parameters and mortality of the finishers was reduced by −1.1%. Even after a substantial reduction of the antimicrobial treatments, the difference of the enterprise profit increased by + 2.67 euro/finisher pig/year after implementing these changes. The results of this study can be used by veterinarians and other stakeholders to persuade managers of farrow-to-finish operations to use biosecurity practices as a cost-effective way to reduce antimicrobial use.

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27317325; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.05.001
Country: BE

176 Association between antimicrobial usage biosecurity measures as well as farm performance in German farrow-to-finish farms (Research paper – Raasch , 2018)

/in , , , , , , , /by

176 Research paper – Raasch – 2018 – Association between antimicrobial usage biosecurity measures as well as farm performance in German farrow-to-finish farms

Biosecurity \ Pathogen management
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
In this study, comprising in 60 German farrow-to- finish herds, the variations of high and low usage the treatment incidence per age group were analyzed and linked to biosecurity measures, and herd management characteristics. Weaned pigs received most of the treatments followed by suckling pigs. Suckling pigs were very often treated with critically important antimicrobials. The number of sows and a low score for external biosecurity were associated with a higher antimicrobial usage in pigs from birth till slaughter. Herds with a higher treatment incidence in growing pigs: i) were located in a region with a high pig density ii) had less strict control for visitors and personnel and iii) had lower ‘cleaning and disinfection’ scores (internal biosecurity). Herds with a higher treatment incidence in breeding pigs weaned more piglets per sow and year and scored better in the internal biosecurity level

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30564434; https://doi.org/10.1186/s40813-018-0106-5
Country: DE; BE; CH

174 Opinions of veterinarians on antimicrobial use in farm animals in Flanders and the Netherlands (Research paper – Postma, 2016)

/in , , , , , , , , , , /by

 

 

174 Research paper – Postma – 2016 – Opinions of veterinarians on antimicrobial use in farm animals in Flanders and the Netherlands

Prudent use AB \ Veterinarian; AMU reduction strategies
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep; Other;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
This study aimed to assess opinions of veterinarians from the Netherlands and Flanders regarding antimicrobial use and resistance issues in farm animals. A survey was answered by 174 and 437 veterinarians from Flanders and the Netherlands, respectively. The most important cause for high antimicrobial use in farm animals was poor climate conditions. Flemish veterinarians also regarded insufficient biosecurity measures and farmers’ mentality as important factors, while the Dutch ranked insufficient immunity of young animals and economic considerations of farmers as major causes. Most Dutch vets supported the policy to halve veterinary antimicrobial use, while only about 33% of Flemish vets supported this policy. Improvements in housing and climate conditions, biosecurity measures and control of specific infectious diseases were considered important in reducing antimicrobial use. To reduce antimicrobial use in farm animals, some approaches might be applicable in both countries, but cultural, political and societal differences should also be considered.

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27313178; https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.103618
Country: BE; NL

170 Limited association between disinfectant use and either antibiotic or disinfectant susceptibility of Escherichia coli in both poultry and pig husbandry (Research paper – Maertens, 2019)

/in , , , , , /by

 

 

170 Research paper – Maertens – 2019 – Limited association between disinfectant use and either antibiotic or disinfectant susceptibility of Escherichia coli in both poultry and pig husbandr

In Significant Impact Groups: Biosecurity \Internal biosecurity; Materials
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
The study examined the use of disinfectants in poultry and pig husbandry and its contribution to the antibiotic and disinfectant susceptibility of Escherichia coli strains obtained after cleaning and disinfection. This study showed a high resistance prevalence (> 50%) for ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and tetracycline for both production animal categories, while for ciprofloxacin only a high resistance prevalence was found in broiler houses. Disinfectant susceptibility results were homogenously distributed within a very small concentration range. All E. coli strains were susceptible to in-use concentrations of formaldehyde, benzalkoniumchloride and a formulation of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, indicating that the practical use of disinfectants did not select for disinfectant resistance. No indications for the selection of antibiotic resistant bacteria through the use of disinfectants in agricultural environments were shown. This study suggests that proper use of disinfectants in agricultural environments does not promote antibiotic resistance nor reduce E. coli disinfectant susceptibility.

Where to find the original material: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-019-2044-0; https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-019-2044-0
Country: BE

167 Evaluation of the relationship between the biosecurity status production parameters herd characteristics and antimicrobial usage in farrow-to-finish pig Research paper – Postma, 2016)

/in , , , , , , , , /by

 

 

167 Research paper – Postma – 2016 – Evaluation of the relationship between the biosecurity status production parameters herd characteristics and antimicrobial usage in farrow-to-finish pig

In Significant Impact Groups: Biosecurity \ Pathogen management
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
This study aimed at assessing possible associations between the biosecurity level, antimicrobial usage and farm and production characteristics in order to advice on best practices for a low antimicrobial usage and maximum animal health and production. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 227 farrow-to-finish pig herds in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden between December 2012 and December 2013. Associations between biosecurity status, antimicrobial usage, and production parameters were evaluated. This study showed that the antimicrobial usage in breeding animals tends to be positively associated with the number of weaned piglets per sow per year and the antimicrobial usage from birth to slaughter (TI 200) in growing pigs. The TI 200 was lower in herds with a farrowing rhythm ≥5- weeks, a higher biosecurity status and tended to be lower with weaning of the piglets at an older age.

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28405435; https://doi.org/10.1186/s40813-016-0028-z
Country: BE; CH; FR; DE; SE; DK

166 The biosecurity status and its associations with production and management characteristics in farrow-to-finish pig herds Research paper – Postma, 2016)

/in , , , , , , , /by

 

 

166 Research paper – Postma – 2016 – The biosecurity status and its associations with production and management characteristics in farrow-to-finish pig herds

In Significant Impact Groups: Biosecurity
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
This study aimed at assessing the levels of implementation of biosecurity measures in pig production to describe possible associations between the biosecurity level and farm and production characteristics. The study was conducted in 232 farrow-to-finish pig herds in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden, between December 2012 and December 2013. The biosecurity status in each of these herds using Biocheck.UGent. The results showed that the biosecurity on many pig farms was low. Internal and external biosecurity levels differed between countries. The external biosecurity status was highest in Germany and lowest in France. The internal biosecurity status was highest in Sweden and lowest in Belgium. External biosecurity scores were in general higher than internal biosecurity scores. Herds with more sows and more employees were likely to have a higher external biosecurity score. A higher external biosecurity positively influenced the number of weaned piglets per sow per year and the internal biosecurity score.

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26567800; https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731115002487
Country: BE; SE; CH; DE; FR

165 Assigning defined daily doses animal_ a European multi-country experience for antimicrobial products authorized for usage in pigs (Research paper – Postma, 2015)

/in , , , , , , , , /by

 

 

165 Research paper – Postma – 2015 – Assigning defined daily doses animal_ a European multi-country experience for antimicrobial products authorized for usage in pigs

In Significant Impact Groups: AMU reduction strategies \ Monitoring and surveillance
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
This study aims to define an agreement to daily dose animal (DDDA) for each active substance (AS) and administration route for swine antimicrobials authorized in four European countries, thus allowing cross-country quantification and comparison of antimicrobial usage data. All veterinary antimicrobial products authorized for swine use in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden were listed per administration route. This study presents an agreement DDDA list for use in the quantification and comparison of antimicrobial use. Four major recommendations are: (i) urgent need for harmonization of authorization and recommended summary of product characteristics (SPC) dosages; (ii) expand the developed preliminary DDDA list to include all authorized veterinary medicinal products in all EU member states and for all (food-producing) animal species; (iii) improved accessibility of country-specific SPC data would be preferable; and (iv) statement of the ‘long-acting’ duration of a product in the SPC.

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25223972; https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dku347
Country: BE; FR; DE; SE; CH

162 Alternatives to the use of antimicrobial agents in pig production_ A multi-country expert-ranking of perceived effectiveness feasibility and return (Research paper – Postma, 2015)

/in , , , , , , , , , /by

 

 

162 Research paper – Postma – 2015 – Alternatives to the use of antimicrobial agents in pig production_ A multi-country expert-ranking of perceived effectiveness feasibility and return

In Significant Impact Groups: Biosecurity \ Pathogen management
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
Nineteen alternatives to antimicrobial agents were ranked on perceived effectiveness, feasibility and return on investment (ROI) by 111 pig experts from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland. The top 5 measures in terms of effectiveness were (1) improved internal biosecurity, (2) improved external biosecurity, (3) improved climate/environmental conditions,(4) high health/Specific Pathogen Free/disease eradication and (5) increased vaccination. The top 5 measures in terms of feasibility were (1) increased vaccination, (2) increased use of anti-inflammatory products, (3) improved water quality, (4) feed quality/optimization and (5) use of zinc/metals. The top 5 measures in terms of ROI were (1) improved internal biosecurity, (2) zinc/metals, (3) diagnostics/action plan,(4) feed quality/optimization and (5) climate/environmental improvements. Combining these results, the most promising alternatives to antimicrobial use in industrial pig production are: biosecurity improvements, increased vaccination, use of zinc/metals, improvement of feed quality and use of regular diagnostics testing and having a clear action plan.

Where to find the original material:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25650306; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.01.010

Country: BE; FR; DE; SE, CH, DK

161 Bacteriological evaluation of vaccination against Salmonella Typhimurium with an attenuated vaccine in subclinically infected pig herds (Research paper – Peeters, 2019)

/in , , , , , /by

 

 

161 Research paper – Peeters – 2019 – Bacteriological evaluation of vaccination against Salmonella Typhimurium with an attenuated vaccine in subclinically infected pig herds

Pathogen management \ Vaccination
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
Subclinical infections with Salmonella Typhimurium occur frequently in pigs, constituting a risk for human salmonellosis. In this study, an attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium vaccine (Salmoporc®, IDT Biologika) was evaluated in three pig herds. The excretion of Salmonella Typhimurium field strain was low and similar between farms and production cycles. Vaccination of either sows and piglets, sows and fattening pigs, or in piglets only, resulted in a smaller number of lymph nodes positive at slaughter, in pigs in the second production cycle only (but not on first production cycle). Marked reduction of positive lymph nodes at slaughter happened after vaccination of sows and piglets. The vaccine strain was detected in the lymph nodes of 13 pigs at slaughter. Because of study limitations, results should be interpreted carefully. Nevertheless, in sows and piglets (preferred), sows and fattening pigs, and piglets only, vaccination can (to some extent) support the control of Salmonella Typhimurium infections.

Where to find the original material: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167587719300480; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.04.016
Country: BE