Biosecurity and antimicrobial use in broiler farms across nine European countries: toward identifying farm-specific options for reducing antimicrobial usage

Abstract

Broiler chickens are among the main livestock sectors worldwide. With individual treatments being inapplicable, contrary to many other animal species, the need for antimicrobial use (AMU) is relatively high. AMU in animals is known to drive the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). High farm biosecurity standards are a cornerstone for animal health and welfare, as well as food safety, as it protects animals from the introduction and spread of pathogens and therefore the need for AMU. The goal of this study was to identify the main biosecurity practices associated with AMU in broiler farms and to develop a statistical model that produces customized recommendations as to which biosecurity measures could be implemented on a farm to reduce its AMU, including a cost-effectiveness analysis of the recommended measures. AMU and biosecurity data were obtained cross-sectionally in 2014 from 181 broiler farms across nine European countries

Can Improved Farm Biosecurity Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials in Food Animals? A Scoping Review

“…Furthermore, two studies indibiosecurity practices is a cost-effective strategy for reducing AMU (Table 1). On the other hand, five studies reported an uncertain or spurious association between farm biosecurity and AMU, which could be attributed to confounders such as recent outbreaks, underreporting of AMU, misclassification, or missing information on AMU and/or biosecurity [9,34,36,40,46] (Table 1). Small pig farms resisted colistin and fluoroquinolones, while medium-sized farms showed resistance to streptomycin.…”

“…Furthermore, two studies indicated that coaching and awareness among farmers could lead to reduced AMU, while a single economic assessment study concluded that implementing biosecurity practices is a cost-effective strategy for reducing AMU (Table 1). On the other hand, five studies reported an uncertain or spurious association between farm biosecurity and AMU, which could be attributed to confounders such as recent outbreaks, underreporting of AMU, misclassification, or missing information on AMU and/or biosecurity [9,34,36,40,46] (Table 1).…”

“…The relationship between farm size and AMU in livestock production remains complex, and evidence on this topic is mixed. Some studies indicate that among bigger and more intensive farms, biosecurity levels are better as compared to smaller farms, and farmers have more awareness about prudent AMU [9,46]. However, large herds also have several risk factors for disease transmission, and farmers may be more concerned about infections in their herds, leading to increased AMU as prophylaxis or metaphylaxis [50][51][52][53].…”

“…In China in 2013, Zhang et al (2015) observed that after the metabolism of 36 antibiotics with a total usage of 92,700 tons, the total excretion amount was 54,000 tons (84% excreted by animals and 16% by humans), and eventually the emission to the environment was 53,800 tons (46% received by water and 54% to the soil) [7]. High AMU in animal husbandry can lead to resistant organisms and drug residues in animal-derived products [8,9]. Furthermore, using antimicrobials in animal products that are also employed in human medicine can lead to cross-resistance development [5,10].…”

“…Farm biosecurity is considered a valuable tool to limit the non-judicious use of antimicrobials and promote animal health, production, and welfare [9,18]. It involves measures to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious agents.…”