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Feb 2016
Regulars
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Zoetis pages
Responsible antibiotic use on farm –
The future is in our hands
By Dr B.B. Van Houten, Technical Manager: Zoetis South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Antimicrobial use in animal production systems is under more pressure than ever before, and this pressure
is here to stay. The responsible use of antibiotics encompasses various different aspects and is an extremely
complex topic. We as veterinarians are pivotal in managing this situation and ensuring the future use of these
products for years to come.
FOR ANIMALS. FOR HEALTH. FOR YOU.
Zoetis Production
Animal Column
S
topping the use of
antibiotics isn’t an
option. These products
are essential in
maintaining a safe food
supply to people all over the country
and protecting animal welfare by
preventing pain and suffering due to
disease. It is important to understand
that although we can’t stop the
use, we can reduce it and find the
balance between multiple elements
in maintaining healthy animals.
Responsible use, also referred to
judicious use, can help sustain the
efficacy of antimicrobials, assure safe
food and minimise the emergence of
resistance.
Our focus as vets needs to be
on various aspects of our clients’
operations where we can make a
difference. There is no “one size
fits all” plan; each and every plan
needs to be devised according to the
individual farm.
Three aspects that need to be
considered are:
• Animal specifics
• Husbandry system
• Management
The first two involve the specific
species, breed and husbandry
systems the farmer has on his/her
farm. For the most part, veterinarians
don’t have much control over these
aspects. However, management is
where we should play a large role.
Management:
Can be defined as all
the activities of the farmer regarding
the care of animals. Increased client
awareness, biosecurity, nutrition, and
animal health are all included in this
definition.
•
Increased client awareness and
education:
These are essential
and involve increased knowledge
about various diseases, antibiotic
resistance and good record
keeping. Educating farmers
around the importance of how
various types of stress predispose
to disease will hopefully change
the way they think about
husbandry. Educating farmers on
the importance of weighing their
animals and treating them with
the correct dose of antimicrobials,
informing them about the
consequences of under-dosing
animals with antimicrobials and
getting them to understand that
these processes are not a waste
of time, but rather an investment
in the future of their herd.
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