Prudent and efficient use of antimicrobials in pigs and poultry

Abstract

Antimicrobials are widely used in both humans and livestock and have greatly contributed to better human and animal health. However, these benefits are being threatened by the global emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Because humans and animals often share the same bacteria and may be treated with the same types of antibacterial drugs, resistance to antibiotics is the most critical aspect of AMR for the livestock sector. One way to mitigate the emergence of AMR is to reduce the overall use of antibiotics by combining prudent and medically rational use with other disease preventive measures. This manual will contribute to addressing the challenge of AMR by promoting the prevention of infections and the prudent use of antibiotics in the pig and poultry sectors, the livestock sectors that generally have the highest use of antibiotics. It should be regarded as a practical complement to national governance and regulatory measures. The manual is intended to assist pharmacists, veterinarians, other animal health workers, farm owners and their staff in using antibiotics in a prudent and medically efficient way without loss in productivity. It is especially targeted to farmers with commercialized medium- or large-scale production, veterinarians and other animal health personnel in non-EU Eastern European and Balkan countries, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, who are dealing with pigs and poultry. However, in many cases the principles and practices described here are universally useful and may be applied elsewhere.