Evaluation of the relationship between the biosecurity status, production parameters, herd characteristics and antimicrobial usage in farrow-to-finish pig production in four EU countries

Abstract

BackgroundHigh antimicrobial usage and the threat of antimicrobial resistance highlighted the need for reduced antimicrobial usage in pig production. Prevention of disease however, is necessary to obtain a reduced need for antimicrobial treatment. This study aimed at assessing possible associations between the biosecurity level, antimicrobial usage and farm and production characteristics in order to advice on best practices for a low antimicrobial usage and maximum animal health and production.A cross-sectional study was conducted in 227 farrow-to-finish pig herds in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden between December 2012 and December 2013. Associations between biosecurity status, antimicrobial usage, and production parameters were evaluated with multivariable general linear models, according to an assumed causal pathway.ResultsThe results showed that higher antimicrobial usage in sows tended to be associated with higher antimicrobial usage from birth until slaughter (p = 0.06). The antimicrobial usage from birth until slaughter was positively associated with the number of pathogens vaccinated against (p < 0.01). A shorter farrowing rhythm (p < 0.01) and a younger weaning age (p = 0.06) tended to be also associated with a higher antimicrobial usage from birth until slaughter whereas a better external biosecurity (p < 0.01) was related with a lower antimicrobial usage from birth until slaughter.ConclusionManagement practices such as weaning age and biosecurity measures may be important factors indirectly impacting on antimicrobial usage. We therefore promote a holistic approach when assessing the potential to reduce the need for antimicrobial treatments.

Comparison of the antimicrobial consumption in weaning pigs in Danish sow herds with different vaccine purchase patterns during 2013

“…This is in line with results presented by Potsma et al (2016) [14]. This may be explained by some herds experiencing clinical problems associated in particular with MYC or PCV2 despite use of vaccination.…”

“…However, it would also be of interest to study the effect of vaccination in the sow herd on the consumption of AM in the finishing section. On the other hand, according to Potsma et al [14] a higher AM consumption in sows tended to be associated with higher AM consumption from birth until slaughter, and that it was positively associated with the number of pathogens vaccinated against.…”

Antibiotic Resistance in the Food Chain: A Developing Country-Perspective

“…However, when ABR occurs, and effective barriers (e.g., good agricultural practices, good hygiene practices, and HACCP-based measures) are present, subsequent transmission will be impeded, with food safety, food security, and public health being ensured. Biosecurity should then play a fundamental role in any disease control program as it expands beyond agricultural production to human and environmental health (Nahar et al, 2014; Postma et al, 2016). …”

Reducing Antimicrobial Usage in Pig Production without Jeopardizing Production Parameters

“…To be able to achieve this reduction, it is important to assist and guide farmers in this process, as they are generally aware of the problems and risks, but not sufficiently knowledgeable on the implications on herd level (Visschers et al., ). They are generally also willing to reduce their antimicrobial use but are unfamiliar with alternative solutions such as biosecurity improvements (Laanen et al., ; Postma et al., ; Postma et al., ) and improved immunization through vaccination against infections such as ileitis (Adam, ; Coube et al., ), porcine proliferative enteropathy (Bak and Rathkjen, ), porcine circovirus (Brockhoff et al., ; Aerts and Wertenbroek, ; Coube et al., ; Koenders and Wertenbroek, ) and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (Del Pozo Sacristán et al., ).…”

“…Previous studies have provided information on the association between herd characteristics, disease problems and AMU (Hybschmann et al., ; Laanen et al., ; Fertner et al., ). The EU study of the minapig consortium (Postma et al., ; Postma et al., ) indicated associations between biosecurity, improved production results (e.g. number of weaned piglets/sow/year) and reduced AMU.…”