Real-World Data on Antibiotic Group Treatment in European Livestock: Drivers, Conditions, and Alternatives.

Major efforts have been made by veterinary professionals to reduce the need for antibiotic use in animals. An online survey launched by the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) aimed to gather responses from practicing veterinarians with field experience in metaphylactic livestock group treatment. Only 17% of all veterinarians (n = 183/1087, all species-specific responses merged) applied metaphylactic group treatments to 75% or more of all their treatments. Significantly less metaphylactic group treatments were reported in mixed practices (p = 0.002) and practices specialized in cattle (p < 0.001) as well as small (p = 0.007) and very small practices (p = 0.009). Gram-negative bacteria, mostly composed of Enterobacteriaceae and Pasteurellaceae, were considered by 75.3% (n = 967/1385) as the most devastating bacterial pathogens. Respondents alleged morbidity (20.1%, n = 201/998) and mortality (42.2%, n = 421/998) as major consequences for animal health and welfare if metaphylaxis would be banned. Responding veterinarians pointed towards vaccinations; improved biosecurity, including hygiene measures; and improved herd health management as the three most effective alternative measures to prevent metaphylactic treatment. However, more research is needed on how to implement appropriate alternatives in a holistic hurdle approach. Active support on a national level will be necessary for the development and application of targeted veterinary treatment guidelines for practitioners, which promote the understanding of drivers and include initiation criteria for metaphylactic group treatments in livestock.

Impact assessment of the reduction or removal of ionophores used for controlling coccidiosis in the UK broiler industry.

Coccidiosis is a complex parasitic disease ubiquitous in all types of poultry production. It can have both a direct effect on bird health and welfare with significant negative impacts on the production parameters and indirect effect as it predisposes to other pathogens. Ionophore coccidiostats have been used safely for over 45 years by poultry producers. Concerns have been raised that their use in livestock production could promote the development of antibiotic resistance, but their unique mode of action makes it unlikely. Conversely their removal can result in increased use of therapeutic antibiotics to treat disease posing a greater risk of antibiotic resistance development. Economic and environmental models examining the impact of the removal of ionophore coccidiostats from UK production suggest the annual cost to the broiler sector would be between £68.02-£109.95 million and result in an additional 84,000 tonnes CO2 e being produced per annum. Any cost increase would make this wholesome and affordable animal protein less affordable to poorer sectors of society. Increased greenhouse gas production, demand for water and land as a result of less efficient production will impact on climate change targets.