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

 

 

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)

 

 

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

164 EPRUMA Best-practice framework for the use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals in the EU – Reaching for the next level by EPRUMA (Tools & Checklists)

 

 

164 ToolsChecklists – EPRUMA Best-practice framework for the use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals in the EU – Reaching for the next level by EPRUMA – European Platform for the Res

In Significant Impact Groups: AMU reduction strategies \ Legislation and incentives
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Age:
Summary:
EPRUMA best practice guidelines for the use of antibiotics combines a holistic and specific approach to facilitate the further optimisation of animal health at specific sector level and at individual farm level. The main objective of this combined approach is to reach the highest achievable level of animal health by determining, working towards and maintaining an optimal balance between different elements that may have an impact on animal health, e.g. nutrition, housing, etc. Tailoring to the local situation of an individual farm and final implementation are the shared responsibility of the farm owner/animal caretaker and other professional visitors to the farm, such as veterinarians, feed and husbandry experts, and biosecurity specialists. Efforts made by the farmer and these professional consultants, supported by all other stakeholders, will result in an optimal level of animal health and welfare. The document also includes decision tree for the responsible use of veterinary antibiotics.

Where to find the original material: https://www.epruma.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/EPRUMAABNextlevel-Englis.pdf;
Country: EU;

163 Best-practice framework for the use of vaccines in animals by EPRUMA – European Platform for the Responsible Using of Medicines in Animals (Tools & Checklists)

 

 

163 ToolsChecklists – Best-practice framework for the use of vaccines in animals by EPRUMA – European Platform for the Responsible Using of Medicines in Animals

In Significant Impact Groups: Pathogen management \ Vaccination
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Age:
Summary:
Vaccination has been an essential tool over the years for preventing a wide range of infectious diseases. By helping to eradicate and control infectious diseases, vaccination improves animal health and reduces the need for treatment, while contributing to food safety and public health. Veterinary vaccination is also an integral part of overall One Health plans against infectious diseases. Within EPRUMA best practice guidelines, EPRUMA partners wish to raise awareness on the benefits of vaccination, and recommend best practices for vaccine use to ensure optimal animal health. These best-practice recommendations also aim to complement existing guidelines on vaccination, which are available in many European countries (France, UK (RUMA), Vetresponsable (Spain), AMCRA (Belgium)).

Where to find the original material: https://www.epruma.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Best-practice-framework-on-vaccines_23-APRIL-2019.pdf;
Country: EU

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)

 

 

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

142 Using the Biocheck UGent scoring tool in Irish farrow-to-finish pig farms_ assessing biosecurity and its relation to productive performance (Research paper – Da Costa – 2019)

 

 

142 Research paper – da Costa – 2019 – Using the Biocheck UGen scoring tool in Irish farrow-to-finish pig farms_ assessing biosecurity and its relation to productive performance

Significant Interest Groups: Biosecurity

Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
Biosecurity is one of the main factors affecting disease occurrence and antimicrobial use, and it is associated with performance in pig production. The aim of this study was to describe the biosecurity status in a cohort of Irish pig farms, and to study the impact of biosecurity on farm performance. External biosecurity score was high compared to most countries due to the characteristics of the Irish pig sector (i.e. purchasing only semen and breeding gilts on farm). The internal biosecurity score was lower and had greater variability among farms than other EU countries. Data analysis showed the biosecurity practices explained 8, 23, and 16% of variability in piglet mortality, finisher mortality, and average daily gain, respectively. Our results point out that lower performing farms need to improve practices related to the environment, region, feed, water and equipment supply, and the overall management of the different production stages.

Where to find the original material: https://rdcu.be/b40Qv; https://doi.org/10.1186/s40813-018-0113-6
Country: IE; BE: ES

140 Biosecurity Practices for Dairy Operations by Texas AgriLife Extension (Tools & Checklists)

 

 

140 ToolsChecklists – Biosecurity Practices for Dairy Operations by Texas AgriLife Extension

Significant Interest Groups: Biosecurity

Species targeted: Dairy; Beef;
Summary:
Biosecurity measures prevent infectious diseases from affecting a herd. By implementing general management and vaccination practices, producers protect their herds from existing diseases within a country and from possible foreign animal disease outbreaks. This US made checklist and fact sheet contains information on herd immunity, common diseases, vaccination protocols, best practice animal husbandry, key steps to take when purchasing animals, biosecurity practices and staffing. It includes helpful tick lists of what steps you can take to ensure disease does not enter, spread or multiply on your farm.

https://texashelp.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Biosecurity-Practices-For-Dairy-Operations.pdf;

Country: USA;

139 Chicken and Antibiotics – Let’s Chat About The Facts by Chicken Farmers of Canada (Industry Innovation)

 

 

139 Industry Innovation – Chicken and Antibiotics – Let’s Chat About The Facts by Chicken Farmers of Canada

Significant Interest Groups: AMU reduction strategies \ Legislation and incentives Food supply chain and markets
Species targeted: Poultry;
Summary:
There has been a lot in the news recently about antibiotic use in Canada’s food. More and more restaurants, processors, and retailers are offering more and more choices to Canadians when making their meal decisions. While antibiotics are an important part of modern human and animal medicine, it is critical that they are used RESPONSIBLY. In response, Chicken Farmers of Canada have produced this infographic which describes their antimicrobial use (AMU) strategy to demonstrate responsible use and to reduce use where possible. The Canadian chicken industry have eliminated the preventative use of Category I antibiotics in 2014 and since then, the industry is no longer permitted to use them. Now, they are analysing antimicrobial resistance data, reviewing best management practices, ensuring effective controls of antibiotic use across Canadian farms, educating stakeholders, and researching and sourcing alternative products.

Where to find the original material: https://www.chickenfarmers.ca/resources/chicken-and-antibiotics-lets-chat-about-the-facts/;
Country: CA

138 Non-human antimicrobial use surveillance in Canada (CCVO) (Industry Innovation)

 

 

138 Industry Innovation – NON-HUMAN ANTIMICROBIAL USE SURVEILLANCE IN CANADA_ SURVEILLANCE OBJECTIVES AND OPTIONS by Canadian Council of Chief Veterinary Officers (CCVO)

Significant Interest Group: AMU reduction strategies
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Age: Not stated;
Summary:
The Council of Chief Veterinary Officers’ (CCVO) Antimicrobial Use in Animal Agriculture Committee established an Antimicrobial Use (AMU) Surveillance Working group in October 2013. The overarching objectives of this group were to 1) review current Canadian non-human AMU surveillance programs, 2) compare these programs to AMU surveillance programs in other countries, and 3) formulate recommendations and options for non-human AMU surveillance in Canada. This work began prior to the release of Canada’s Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Federal Framework and Federal Action Plan. One of the key objectives identified in these documents was to establish and strengthen AMR and AMU surveillance systems in humans and animals in Canada. Though Canada has robust AMR/AMU surveillance programs, “there is no comprehensive and integrated national picture of AMR [and AMU] in human health and within the agri-food system in Canada.” This report, therefore, is pivotal as Canada prepares to advance AMU surveillance.

Where to find the original material: https://www.cahss.ca/media/uploads/cipars/documents/17-08-01_19-44/CCVO_AMUCommittee_Non-HumanAMUSurveillance_FINAL_NjgJxTA.pdf;
Country: CA

137 National Milk Producers Federation FARM program Herd Health Plan template by National Milk Producers Federation (Tools & Checklists)

 

 

137 ToolsChecklists – National Milk Producers Federation FARM program Herd Health Plan template by National Milk Producers Federation

Main Significant Interest Group: Other

Species: Dairy

The FARM program Herd Health Plan template is a tool for comprehensive and structured discussions for managing herd health. It is based on the National Milk Producers Federation FARM program from the US, which stipulates best practice for caring for dairy cattle and protocols for achieving optimal animal health and welfare. The tool has a series of checklists to ensure all parameters and procedures are adhered to, helpful diagrams for procedures such as injection site selection and euthanasia and space for individual farmers/stock people and advisors to add in their commitment to complying with the standards.

https://nationaldairyfarm.com/farm-animal-care-version-4-0/;

Country: USA