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