A survey of free-range egg farmers in the United Kingdom: Knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding antimicrobial use and resistance

Abstract

Highlights 86% of laying hen farmers were aware of antimicrobial resistance. 49% of laying hen farmers were taking measures to reduce antimicrobial use. Flock age was linked to two indicators of responsible medicine use. Farm size was linked to two indicators of responsible medicine use. Veterinary contact was linked to two indicators of responsible medicine use.

Antimicrobial use in agriculture: critical review of the factors influencing behaviour

“…Overall, providing farmers with the necessary confidence, skills and support has been shown to enable the transition to reduce reliance on antimicrobials, without negatively affecting production. 17 , 29 , 40 , 41 , 59 Similarly, in Cameroon, Tennessee, Indonesia and Vietnam, additional training was supported by farmers. 21 , 39 , 57 , 58 , 60 In Peru, increased knowledge of antimicrobials was associated with using them in a preventative manner.…”

“… 16 , 31 , 37 In France, Norway and Nigeria, farmers and vets use discussion-based platforms or collaborative workshops to promote knowledge exchange and provide practical skills to reduce AMU. 36 , 41 , 55 Meanwhile, recently (2017) in Thailand a national global action plan (GAP) was implemented to combat AMR. The GAP was found to elevate farmers’ knowledge, concern and attitude towards strategy implementation, in comparison to the non-GAP group, demonstrating an effective approach that could be used to motivate farmers to adopt and implement antimicrobial stewardship strategies.…”

“…However, it was recognized that farmers did not feel equipped with the technical knowledge and skills to effectively implement strategies without detrimentally impacting production. 16 , 40 , 41 , 85 In the UK and Canada, despite farmers’ interest in reducing AMU, they were hesitant to implement strategies due to economic concerns relating to the loss of stock, contracts and profit. 33 , 98 Moreover, European farmers and vets favoured AMU and were wary of change, believing the benefits of using antimicrobials outweighed the risks.…”

Challenges for the Control of Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)

“…PRM is also responsible for health and welfare issues for egg-laying hens. When asked, most egg-producers commonly state that PRM is the major issue concerning hen welfare [41]. The main sign of a severe infestation is the anemia observed in the birds.…”

“…In a recent questionnaire by free-range farmers in the UK, antiparasitics were reported as one of the three most commonly used medicines against PRM [41]. A recent scandal on the discovery of an unauthorized product in food-producing animals (Fipronil, C 12 H 4 Cl 2 F 6 N 4 OS) in contaminated eggs from farms in 45 countries worldwide.…”