344 – Usage of Antibiotics in Agricultural Livestock in the Netherlands in 2017 Trends and benchmarking of livestock farms and veterinarians (Research report – Sda – 2018)

 

 

344 Research report – Sda – 2018 – Usage of Antibiotics in Agricultural Livestock in the Netherlands in 2017 Trends and benchmarking of livestock farms and veterinarians

In Significant Impact Groups: AMU reduction strategies \ Monitoring and surveillance; Antibiotic use
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Other;
Age: Different for different species;
Summary:
In 2017, the turkey and broiler farming sectors managed to substantially reduce their antibiotic use in terms of defined daily doses animal (DDDANAT). They achieved reductions of 23.7% and 7.8%, respectively. Less prominent reductions of 3.6% and 1.9% were observed for the veal and pig farming sectors, respectively. The cattle farming sector’s usage level increased slightly over the 2016-2017 period, by 2.2%. In 2017, no distinct shifts towards lower benchmark zones occurred in the veal farming sector. The pig farming sector saw an undesirable rise in the percentage of farms with weaner pigs recording action zone usage levels. This development was due to the new benchmark thresholds introduced in 2016.The SDa expert panel recommends paying special attention to outlier farms. In 2017, sales of antibiotics in terms of kilograms of active substances amounted to 181,097 kg.

Where to find the original material: https://www.autoriteitdiergeneesmiddelen.nl/en/news/28/sda-report-usage-of-antibiotics-in-agricultural-livestock-in-the-netherlands-in-2017 ;
Country: NL

343 – Associations between antimicrobial use and the prevalence of resistant micro-organisms Is it possible to benchmark livestock farms based on resistance data (Research report – Sda – 2016)

343 Research report – Sda – 2016 – Associations between antimicrobial use and the prevalence of resistant micro-organisms Is it possible to benchmark livestock farms based on resistance dat

In Significant Impact Groups: AMU reduction strategies \ Monitoring and surveillance; Antibiotic use
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Beef;
Age: Young;
Summary:
An expert panel analyzed the relationship between antimicrobial use in the Dutch livestock sector and the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant micro-organisms in livestock. Changes in usage and resistance levels between 2009 and 2014, for most of the commonly used antibiotics, the strongest declines in usage levels were observed in the pig (54%) and broiler (57%) farming sectors. In most livestock sectors, total and antimicrobial-specific usage levels are clearly associated with the antimicrobial-specific resistance levels. Is it possible to benchmark livestock farms based on resistance data? This would require information on resistance-related risks such as public health risks, and currently available data do not allow for quantification of such risks. If an acceptable resistance level were to be determined, the corresponding antimicrobial usage level could serve as the basis for benchmarking values. As yet, however, no acceptable resistance level has been defined.

Where to find the original material: https://cdn.i-pulse.nl/autoriteitdiergeneesmiddelen/userfiles/Publications/def-engels-rapport-abgebruik-en-resistentie-0516.pdf;
Country: NL

342 – Eindrapportage Veerkracht van Melkvee I – Verandering van dynamiek voorspellende kracht (Research report – van Dixhoorn – 2016)

 

 

342 Research report – van Dixhoorn – 2016 – Eindrapportage Veerkracht van Melkvee I_ Verandering van dynamiek voorspellende kracht

In Significant Impact Groups: Other
Species targeted: Dairy;
Age: Adult;
Summary:
The transition period is a critical phase in the life of dairy cows. Early identification of cows at risk for disease would allow for early intervention and optimization of the transition period. To examine the relationship between the risk to develop diseases early in lactation and dynamic patterns of high-resolution, physiological and behavioural data, were continuously recorded in individual cows before calving. The results suggest that quantitative parameters derived from sensor data may reflect the level of resilience of individual cows. The developed model offers sufficient perspective to provide predictive value for individual cows as to how well they manage the transition period. Early detection (during dry state) enables adjustment for the lactation period. In combination with Koe-kompas this is a valuable tool in the PDCA (Plan Do Check Act) cycle. A number of aspects from Critical Slowing Down theory can be applied to the individual animal.

Where to find the original material: http://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/fulltext/386110; http://dx.doi.org/10.18174/386110
Country: NL

339 – Economics of antibiotic usage on Dutch farms (Research report – Policy paper – Bergevoet – 2019)

339 Research report – Bergevoet – 2019 – Policy paper_ Economics of antibiotic usage on Dutch farms

In Significant Impact Groups: Other
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry;
Age: Not stated;
Summary:
Dutch Policy Paper. Reduction in antibiotic usage did not lead to a weaker competitive position of Dutch farmers. The reduction in antibiotic usage on broiler and pig farms in the Netherlands from 2009 to 2017 did not result in a deviation from the long-term trend in average production and economic results in these sectors. To improve animal health, which made a reduction in antibiotic usage possible, farmers used a variety of relatively easy and cheap measures, such as more attention to hygiene, use of pain killers and anti-inflammatory agents or more preventive vaccinations. International cost competitiveness of Dutch broiler and pig farms was not hampered by the reduction in antibiotic usage. The deterioration of the cost competitiveness in especially sow farms was caused by other factors, e.g. an increase of environmental costs. Experiences in the Netherlands show that an active policy towards antibiotic usage reduction can work.

Where to find the original material: https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/economics-of-antibiotic-usage-on-dutch-farms-the-impact-of-antibi;
Country: NL

336- Quantitative and qualitative analysis of antimicrobial usage patterns in 180 selected farrow-to-finish pig farms from nine European countries (Research paper – Sarrazin – 2018)

 

 

336 Research paper – Sarrazin – 2018 – Quantitative and qualitative analysis of antimicrobial usage patterns in 180 selected farrow-to-finish pig farms from nine European countries

In Significant Impact Groups: Other
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young;
Summary:
Objectives: Farm-level quantification of antimicrobial usage (AMU) in pig farms.
Methods: In a cross-sectional study, AMU data on group treatments administered to a single batch of fattening pigs from birth to slaughter (group treatment data) and antimicrobials purchased during 1 year (purchase data) were collected at 180 pig farms in nine European countries. AMU was quantified using treatment incidence (TI) based on defined (DDDvet) and used (UDDvet) daily doses and defined (DCDvet) and used (UCDvet) course doses.
Results: The majority of antimicrobial group treatments were administered to weaners (69.5% of total TIDDDvet) followed by sucklers (22.5% of total TIDDDvet). AMU varied considerably between farms with a median TIDDDvet of 9.2 and 7.1 for a standardized rearing period of 200 days based on group treatment and purchase data, respectively. In general, UDDvet and UCDvet were higher than DDDvet and DCDvet, respectively, suggesting that either the defined doses were set too low or that group treatments were often dosed too high and/or administered for too long. Extended-spectrum penicillins (31.2%) and polymyxins (24.7%) were the active substances most often used in group treatments, with the majority administered through feed or water (82%). Higher AMU at a young age was associated with higher use in older pigs.
Conclusions: Collecting farm-level AMU data of good quality is challenging and results differ based on how data are collected (group treatment data versus purchase data) and reported (defined versus used daily and course doses).

Where to find the original material: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30544242/; https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dky503
Country: BE, BG, DK, FR, DE, IT, PL, ES, NL

331- Social influences on the duration of antibiotic treatment of clinical mastitis in dairy cows (Research paper – Swinkels – 2015)

 

 

331 Research paper – Swinkels – 2015 – Social influences on the duration of antibiotic treatment of clinical mastitis in dairy cows

In Significant Impact Groups: AMU reduction strategies \ Prudent use AB
Species targeted: Dairy;
Age: Adult;
Summary:
The aim of this study was to explore the social factors influencing farmers’ decision-making on the duration of antibiotic treatment of clinical mastitis. Extended treatment is perceived as part of the social norm of “being a good farmer.” The participants’ perception was that mastitis is not treated “thoroughly” if clinical symptoms were still visible at the time of cessation of treatment. Groups with whom the farmer identifies and regularly communicates face to face, such as other farmers, the herd veterinarian, and other farm advisors, confirm the farmer’s judgment on extending treatment and influences him or her toward socially accepted behavior. Legislation may reduce antibiotic usage, if doable and controllable. Evidence-based information on treatment efficacy or practical on-farm decision support indicating when to end treatment may be able to change social norms of “thorough” treatment, especially when communicated by a group such as veterinarians.

Where to find the original material: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030215000879; http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2014-8488
Country: NL; DE

316 – Effects of Reducing Antimicrobial Use and Applying a Cleaning and Disinfection Program in veal calve farming (Research paper – Dorado-Garcia – 2015

 

 

316 Research paper – Dorado-Garcia k – 2015 – Effects of Reducing Antimicrobial Use and Applying a Cleaning and Disinfection Program in veal calve farming

In Significant Impact Groups: Biosecurity \Internal biosecurity; Housing
Species targeted: Beef;
Age: Young;
Summary:
This study evaluated strategies to curb livestock-associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA). Fifty-one veal calf farms were assigned to one of 3 study arms: RAB farms reducing antimicrobials by protocol; RAB-CD farms reducing antimicrobials by protocol and applying a cleaning and disinfection program; and Control farms without interventions. MRSA carriage was tested in week 0 and week 12 of 2 consecutive production cycles in farmers, family members and veal calves.
This intervention study showed that lower levels of antimicrobial consumption significantly reduced the probability for MRSA carriage in veal calves. The specific cleaning and disinfection program used in this study was not shown to be successful, possibly because it resulted in increased MRSA air loads. A set of determinants for MRSA in calves were disclosed longitudinally to possibly give shape to more refined additional future interventions.

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4549302/pdf/pone.0135826.pdf ; https://doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0135826
Country: NL

308 Antimicrobial prescription patterns of veterinarians_ introduction of a benchmarking approach (Research paper; Bos, 2015)

 

 

308 Research paper – Bos – 2015 – Antimicrobial prescription patterns of veterinarians_ introduction of a benchmarking approach

In Significant Impact Groups: Prudent use AB \ Veterinarian
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef;
Summary: A benchmark indicator for antimicrobial use on farms in the Netherlands was defined and introduced in 2011. As established by Dutch law, each farm is linked to one specific veterinarian (the contracted veterinarian), and therefore analysis of defined daily dosages animal per farm (DDDAF) can be done for all farms served by one veterinarian. The benchmark indicator for veterinarians estimates the likelihood of exceeding the farm action benchmark threshold for all farms for which the veterinarian is the contracted veterinarian. The added value of setting benchmarks for veterinarians is first and foremost to be found in self-regulation of the veterinarians, as the benchmark threshold is expected to stimulate veterinarians to mirror their prescription pattern to their colleagues and to trigger discussions between veterinarians.
Where to find the original material: https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/70/8/2423/811814; https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkv104
Country: NL

286 KNMvD Guideline Antimicrobial use in dry cow therapy by KNMvD (Tools & Checklists)

 

 

286 ToolsChecklists – KNMvD Guideline Antimicrobial use in dry cow therapy by KNMvD

In Significant Impact Groups: Prudent use AB \ Veterinarian
Species targeted: Dairy;
Summary:
This first veterinary guideline in the Netherlands was written to provide the bovine practitioners in the Netherlands with advice about prescription and use of antimicrobials regarding drying off dairy cows with minimization of preventive use of antimicrobials due to (sub)clinical mastitis (KNMvD 2014).The guideline is in Dutch and was published on 4 November 2013 and was adopted by the board of the KNMvD on 10 January 2014.

Where to find the original material: https://www.knmvd.nl/richtlijn-antimicrobiele-middelen-bij-het-droogzetten-van-koeien/;
Country: Netherlands;

257 Richtlijn Veterinair handelen bij vleeskuikens rondom de opzet en in de eerste levensweek op het vleeskuikenbedrijf by Koninklijke Nederlandse Maatschappij voor Diergen (Tools & Checklists)

 

 

257 ToolsChecklists – Richtlijn Veterinair handelen bij vleeskuikens rondom de opzet en in de eerste levensweek op het vleeskuikenbedrijf by Koninklijke Nederlandse Maatschappij voor Diergen

In Significant Impact Groups: Housing and welfare
Species targeted: Broilers; Poultry;
Age:
Summary:
This directive was produced for Dutch poultry veterinarians to provide guidance in veterinary practice concerning the start-up of and management in the first week of live of broiler chicks. Apart from the procedures to follow in prescribing antibiotic treatments the directive provides a vast amount of practical tips and norms for managing and monitoring the optimal start-up of broiler chicks. For example, regarding optimal climate, lighting scheme, water management, feed and supportive measures such as advice on pre- and probiotics, vitamins and minerals, organic acids and fytobiotics. So while this guide is directed to veterinarians and offers a lot of veterinary medicinal information regarding the risk for illness and pathogens and its treatment in the early life of broilers, it can also be an interesting information source for broilers farmers keen on finding insights to improve their start-up management.

Where to find the original material: http://www.journees3r.fr/IMG/pdf/texte_7_reduction_intrants_b-mounaix-2.pdf;
Country: Netherlands