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

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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

172 The characteristics of high performing farms in the UK by AHDB (Farm Innovation)

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172 Farm Innovation – THE CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH PERFORMING FARMS IN THE UK by AHDB

Precision Livestock Farming & Early detection \
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep; Other;
Age: Not stated;
Summary:
What are the top-performing farmers doing differently to the others? Why can two neighbouring equally sized farms on similar soils with the same fundamental farm systems make radically different amounts of money? This paper set out to find answers using three methods. First, a literature review explored published work from around the UK and beyond. Next, a novel analysis was undertaken interrogating the outputs of the Farm Business Survey matching pairs of similar farms from different performance quartiles (measured as farm income divided by costs associated with it; a return on turnover). Thirdly, six case stories were examined. They demonstrate five outstanding farms operating at a very high level and one farm working hard but not achieving good results.

Where to find the original material: https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/the-characteristics-of-high-performing-farms-in-the-uk;
Country: UK

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)

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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

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)

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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)

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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

159 Pig cattle and poultry farmers with a known interest in research have comparable perspectives on disease prevention and on-farm biosecurity (Research paper – Laanen, 2014)

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159 Research paper – Laanen – 2014 – Pig cattle and poultry farmers with a known interest in research have comparable perspectives on disease prevention and on-farm biosecurity

Biosecurity \ Pathogen management
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
Understanding farmer’s perception is crucial for implementing disease prevention measures. To study this, an online questionnaire was given to 218 pig, 279 cattle and 61 poultry farmers in Flanders, Belgium. The term ‘biosecurity’ was correctly explained by less than 10% of these farmers. In general, all farmers had similar knowledge on disease prevention and biosecurity. There were differences in what farmers found more important: cattle farmers favored animal welfare, and pig farmers, on the other hand, favored the stability of the farm. Insufficient motivation was the most likely reason for poor implementation of biosecurity measures. Across the species, farmers indicate that insufficient information on costs and benefit is the biggest problem in application of preventive measures. The veterinarian is seen as the main source of information concerning disease prevention and biosecurity. With more explanation by the herd veterinarian increases being a major factor in farmer’s interest in disease prevention.

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24703250; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.03.015
Country: BE

157 Excential Butycoat by Orffa (Industry Innovation)

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157 Industry Innovation – Excential Butycoat by Orffa

SIG: Feed / gut health \ Feed additives and supplements
Species targeted: Poultry;
Age: Adult;
Summary:
Banning preventive in-feed antibiotics has increased risks for outbreaks of necrotic enteritis, predisposing from coccidiosis and overloads of nutrients in the intestine. Coated butyrate can be a valuable in-feed additive for broilers to prevent feed intake reduction as a consequence of coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis (NE). Different dietary strategies can be used to fight coccidiosis. Some products act antimicrobially against Eimeria species, e.g. essential oils and herbal extracts. Other products beneficially modulate the immune status of the chicken, whereas prebiotics and probiotics improve microflora to reduce the chance of secondary infections. The immunological challenge from coccidiosis and C.perfringens, makes the barrier function of the gut layer extremely important. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that enhances the chickens’ intestinal functioning, promoting development, maintaining the barrier functioning and acts as anti-inflammatory agent. Proper coating results in butyrate reaching both upper and lower parts of the intestine to exert its positive effects.

Where to find the original material:

https://www.poultryworld.net/Nutrition/Articles/2016/2/Dietary-treatments-for-major-poultry-diseases-2764118W/;
Country: NL

150 Biocheck Ugent – A quantitative tool to measure biosecurity at broiler farms and the relationship with technical performance and antimicrobial use (Research paper – Gelaude, 2014)

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150 Research paper – Gelaude – 2014 – Biocheck Ugent_ a quantitative tool to measure biosecurity at broiler farms and the relationship with technical performance and antimicrobial use

SIG: Biosecurity
Species targeted: Poultry;
Age: Young;Adult;
Summary:
The Biocheck.UGent scoring system was developed to measure and quantify the level of biosecurity on broiler farms. This tool is composed of all relevant components of biosecurity on broiler farms and is subdivided into external (purchase of 1-d-old chicks, off-farm movements of live animals, feed and water supply, removal of manure and dead birds, entrance of visitors and personnel, supply of materials, infrastructure and biological vectors, location of the farm) and internal (disease management, cleaning and disinfection, materials, and measures between compartments) biosecurity. This scoring system takes the relative importance of the different biosecurity aspects into account, resulting in a risk-based weighted score. The Biocheck.UGent scoring system can be filled in for free at www.Biocheck.UGent.be. The obtained biosecurity scores are provided immediately after completion of the questionnaire, and the scores for each subcategory can be compared with national averages to allow for benchmarking of results between colleagues.

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25193257; http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps.2014-04002

Country: BE

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

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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)

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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