50 Determinants Associated with Veterinary Antimicrobial Prescribing in Farm Animals in the Netherlands: A Qualitative Study (Research paper; Speksnijder, 2014)

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Significant Impact Group(s): Prudent use AB \ Veterinarian
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Age: Young; Adult;
Outcome Parameter(s): Reduced AMU
Summary: Veterinarians are responsible for prescribing and overseeing antimicrobial use (AMU) in animals. An understanding of veterinarians’ prescribing practices can help to design interventions to reduce AMU in farming. This Dutch study identified factors that influence farm veterinarian prescribing. Research interviews with eleven farm veterinarians were conducted and analysed. There were many conflicting interests identified regarding antimicrobial prescribing by veterinarians. A veterinarian’s professional obligation to reduce animal suffering, financial dependency on clients, risk avoidance, concerns about own skills, lack of farmers’ compliance to veterinary recommendations, public health interests and personal beliefs regarding their contribution to AMR, were found to be factors in antimicrobial prescribing behaviour of farm veterinarians. Interventions to change prescribing behaviour could address veterinary attitudes, advisory skills and provide tools to deal with (perceived) pressure from farmers to prescribe antimicrobials. Policy measures could support farm veterinarians to shift to a more independent animal health consultant role.
50 Research paper – Speksnijder – 2014 – Determinants Associated with Veterinary Antimicrobial Prescribing in Farm Animals in the Netherlands_ A Qualitative Study
Where to find the original material:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/zph.12168; https://doi.org/10.1111/zph.12168
Country: NL

50 Research paper – Speksnijder – 2014 – Determinants Associated with Veterinary Antimicrobial Prescribing in Farm Animals in the Netherlands_ A Qualitative Study

42 Antibiotic guidance by AMCRA (Farm Innovation)

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Significant Impact Group(s): AMU reduction strategies ; Pathogen management
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Age: Young; Adult;
Outcome Parameter(s): Effects social and/or public health positively.
Summary: Monitoring and use of antibiotics – Current situation and recommendations for the future:
Advices and legislation are discussed on this website, by providing PDF’s with information per theme. Due to the extent of these documents, reference is made to the website. Topics which are discussed vary from “Advice: use of humanly licensed antibiotics in animals” to “Advice: measures towards responsible antibiotic use in racing pigeons” and many more.
42 Farm Innovation – Antibiotic guidance by AMCRA
Where to find the original material: (in Dutch)
https://www.amcra.be/nl/adviezen-en-wetgeving;
Country: BE

42 Farm Innovation – Antibiotic guidance by AMCRA

41 Reduction of Veterinary Antimicrobial Use in the Netherlands. The Dutch Success Model (Research paper; Speksnijder, 2014)

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Significant Impact Group(s): AMU reduction strategies \ Legislation and incentives; Government ; Prudent use AB
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Outcome Parameter(s): Reduced AMU; Decrease in the use of antimicrobials [defined doses per animal year (DDD/Y)]
Summary: Veterinary overuse of antimicrobials contributes to the selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance which poses a public health risk. A series of events and discoveries of significant reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant pathogens in the Netherlands resulted in a successful collaboration between government and stakeholders to reduce antimicrobial use in farm animals. Total use of antimicrobials in farm animals in the Netherlands decreased with 56% in the period 2007–2012. A combination of compulsory and voluntary measures and reduction goals resulted in this decrease.
41 Research paper – Speksnijder – 2014 – Reduction of Veterinary Antimicrobial Use in the Netherlands_The Dutch Success Model
Where to find the original material:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/zph.12167; https://doi.org/10.1111/zph.12167
Country: NL

41 Research paper – Speksnijder – 2014 – Reduction of Veterinary Antimicrobial Use in the Netherlands_The Dutch Success Model

34 Ecoantibio by French Agricultural Ministry (Farm Innovation)

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Significant Impact Group(s): AMU reduction strategies ; Other
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary: Infographic – Ecoantibio: reducing the use of veterinary antibiotics:
The Ecoantibio plan has enabled a reduction of 39% in veterinary antibiotics in 6 years , all animal sectors combined. The 1st ecoantibio plan 2012-2016 aimed to reduce the use of antibiotics in animals by 25% in 5 years; The 2nd ecoantibio plan 2017-2021 aims to consolidate this result by continuing efforts; 2 million euros per year are devoted to research projects, training and awareness campaigns.
34 Farm Innovation – Ecoantibio by French Agricultural Ministry
Where to find the original material: (in French)
https://agriculture.gouv.fr/infographie-ecoantibio-reduire-lutilisation-des-antibiotiques-veterinaires-0;
Country: FR

34 Farm Innovation – Ecoantibio by French Agricultural Ministry

29 Could probiotics be the panacea alternative to the use of antimicrobials in livestock diets (Research paper; Cameron, 2019)

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Significant Impact Group(s): Feed / gut health \ Feed additives and supplements; Specific alternatives
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Age: Different for different species;
Outcome Parameter(s): Ruminant feed conversion ratio; Milk production; Rumen pH modulation; Poultry feed conversion ratio; Egg production; Swine feed conversion ratio
Summary: Probiotic research in livestock is rapidly evolving, aspiring to produce local and systemic health benefits on par with antimicrobials. Although many studies have clearly demonstrated the potential of probiotics to positively affect animal health and inhibit pathogens, experimental evidence suggests that probiotics’ successes are modest, conditional, strain dependent, and transient. Here, we explore current understanding, trends, and emerging applications of probiotic research and usage in major livestock species, and highlight successes in animal health and performance.
29 Research paper – Cameron – 2019 – Could probiotics be the panacea alternative to the use of antimicrobials in livestock
diets
Where to find the original material:
https://www.wageningenacademic.com/doi/abs/10.3920/BM2019.0059; https://doi.org/10.3920/BM2019.0059
Country: CA

29 Research paper – Cameron – 2019 – Could probiotics be the panacea alternative to the use of antimicrobials in livestock diets

28 The role of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in animal nutrition (Research paper; Markowiak, 2018)

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Significant Impact Group(s): Specific alternatives \ Pre-/probiotics
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Age: Different for different species;
Summary: Despite numerous difficulties associated with the registration of feed additives, modern global economy and strong market competition result in the need to introduce new technologies to animal nutrition. This paper discusses definitions of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Criteria that have to be met by those kinds of formulas are also presented. The paper offers a list of the most commonly used probiotics and prebiotics and some examples of their combinations in synbiotic formulas used in animal feeding. Examples of available study results on the effect of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on animal health are also summarised
28 Research paper – Markowiak – 2018 – The role of probiotics prebiotics and synbiotics in animal nutrition
Where to find the original material:
https://gutpathogens.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13099-018-0250-0; https://doi.org/10.1186/s13099-018-0250-0
Country: PL

28 Research paper – Markowiak – 2018 – The role of probiotics prebiotics and synbiotics in animal nutrition

10 Ewe health and nutrition boosts colostrum and cuts antibiotics on Northern Ireland sheep farm by FarmAntibiotics-org (Farm Innovation)

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10 Farm Innovation
Ewe health and nutrition boosts colostrum and cuts antibiotics on Northern Ireland sheep farm by FarmAntibiotics.org
in Significant Impact Group(s): Feed / gut health \ Feeding management

Species targeted: Sheep;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary: Ewe health and nutrition boosts colostrum and cuts antibiotics on Northern Ireland sheep farm: A focus on ewe health and nutrition has boosted colostrum production and enabled one Northern Ireland sheep producer to make a dramatic cut in antibiotic treatment for watery mouth in newborn lambs.
The farmer believes that a visibly-improved colostrum quality is a major reason for the reduction in the prevalence of the disease. This also has to do with gradual improvements like better ewe nutrition, genetics and general health.
10 Farm Innovation – Ewe health and nutrition boosts colostrum and cuts antibiotics on Northern Ireland sheep farm by
FarmAntibiotics.org
Where to find the original material: (in English)
https://farmantibiotics.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Isaac-Crilly-sheep-Northern-Ireland.pdf;
Country: UK

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Read here about the benefit of a sheep’s higher quality colostrum.

1 Colostrum is gold – by RUMA – Responsible-Use-Of-Medicines-in-Agricultural-Alliance (Farm Innovation)

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1 Farm Innovation
#ColostrumisGold by RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agricultural Alliance)
in Significant Impact Group(s): Feed / gut health \ Early feeding (colostrum/feed) – Early feeding (colostrum/feed)

Species targeted: Pigs; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Age: Young;
Outcome Parameter(s): Lower disease susceptibility
Summary: #ColostrumisGold, a website from the English company RUMA (RUMA = Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance, see: https://www.ruma.org.uk/)
This easy to read farm innovation is about improving animal health and welfare, in beef and dairy cattle, pigs and sheep. The main topic of the website is colostrum; the first milk from cows, sheep and pigs. According to the website; “Colostrum is chock-full of antibodies, energy and essential nutrients that can benefit the newborn animal.”
The website includes documents with Tech tools & Tips; read antibiotic use case studies, showing implemented management changes on-farm that have reduced, refined or replaced use of their antibiotics. There is a search function to choose from. These are basics on colostrum, storing and administering colostrum and use of colostrum, in different types of material (case study, technical guide and video’s).
1 Farm Innovation – #ColostrumisGold by RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agricultural Alliance)
Where to find the original material: (in English) https://colostrumisgold.org/;
Country: UK

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#ColostrumisGold, a website from the English company RUMA (RUMA = Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance, see: https://www.ruma.org.uk/)
This easy to read farm innovation is about improving animal health and welfare, in beef and dairy cattle, pigs and sheep. The main topic of the website is colostrum; the first milk from cows, sheep and pigs. According to the website; “Colostrum is chock-full of antibodies, energy and essential nutrients that can benefit the newborn animal.”
The website includes documents with Tech tools & Tips;

Sheep wellbeing – a holistic approach to management

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The wellbeing of livestock requires a holistic approach to management.  One UK Superfine Merino wool grower demonstrates excellent sheep husbandry that goes above and beyond minimum standards.  

Firstly, biosecurity – keeping a closed flock, breeding all replacements on farm and strict biosecurity measures for any farm visitor (i.e., vets/shearers/hauliers). The flock are certified Scrapie–free and Maedi Visna accredited, which demands a better price for the wool but this poses challenges finding breeding animals of equal status.  

The sheep are housed in any wet weather limiting damage to the fleece, which is the farm’s main product. The sheds are large, airy, with plenty of bedding and space in the pens, and even toys for the sheep to interact and play with when housed. The opportunity to play and space to socialise with (or avoid) certain flock members are important aspects to sheep wellbeing.  

The flock is of high genetic merit and the farmer uses embryo transfer (ET) to maximise the genetic potential and performance of her sheep. They cope well with the steep land and have little issue with their feet – there is not even any detectable footrot on farm. This is attributed to not buying in stock and not trimming feet or footbathing. To ensure their wellbeing, natural mating still occurs alongside artificial mating, which recognises the need for rams to mate. 

To facilitate correct dosing when using anthelmintics, the farmer makes use of a weigh crush that is built into a race and handling system. Here she can automatically identify individuals by electronic ear tags, record weights and administer medicines. The handling system reduces stress for workers and sheep. Handling the flock calmly, quietly and with compassion are key elements to good stockperson-ship.  

Best practice recommendations regarding cleaning and disinfection

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A thorough cleaning and disinfection protocol is needed to control infectious diseases. Hygiene is equally important for keeping your animals healthy. A proper cleaning and disinfection protocol will reduce the infection pressure. A clean area provides the ideal conditions for healthy animals to live and grow. 

Ideally, a cleaning and disinfection protocol consists of seven steps. It only starts after the removal of animals. 

  1. Dry cleaning

Organic material (faeces, dust, soil) present in the stables/houses should be removed as much as possible. If this step is not performed well, the other steps will already be jeopardized. 

  1. Soaking of all surfaces

Soaking of the surfaces with detergent will loosen the remaining dirt. 

  1. High-pressure cleaning

All foam from the previous step will be removed by cleaning with water under high pressure. Start from the top of the building and work your way down. Don’t forget drinkers and feed troughs. 

  1. Drying

Let the stable/house dry out completely before moving on to the disinfection step. Otherwise, the disinfectant will be diluted and thus less effective. 

  1. Disinfection

Disinfection will further reduce the load of infectious agents. The instructions of the manufacturer must be followed carefully. 

  1. Drying

Make sure the buildings are completely dry before allowing animals to enter. This will ensure the animals cannot come into contact with remaining pools of disinfectant.  

  1. Efficacy testing

Finally, in order to check whether your hard work has paid off, test the efficacy of your procedure by sampling different surfaces. 

 

It is important to perform the steps mentioned above in all animal houses!