[Problems with oral administration of antimicrobially effective substances in animals--the situation with poultry]

The most prevalent method of application of drugs under veterinary prescription including antimicrobials is the oral administration. This paper describes the three possible and legal ways of applying veterinary drugs to animals: --as feed medication in a specialized feed mill which must be registered according to Section 13 of our national medicinal act; --as powder for oral application and medication with the feed on the premises of the farm; --dissolved in the drinking water for the relevant flock. Drinking water application is by far the most relevant method of applying antimicrobials to poultry flocks, if medication is needed. The most prevalent systems for drinking water application in poultry flocks are technically described: header tanks or dose pumps. As far as dose pumps are concerned both systems: proportional dose pumps as well as electronic dose pumps are in use. With poultry the use of antimicrobials is based on clinical judgement of the flock, laboratory diagnosis, including bacterial isolation and sensitivity testing (wherever possible), medical knowledge and experience of the involved veterinarian, economic considerations, epidemiological background and information at the flock level. Responsible use of antimicrobials is a major topic which discriminates German poultry meat producers (e.g. Wiesenhof) from third world meat producers. One reason for the uncritical use of Antimicrobials can be the so called "vet hopping" which is practised with some other meat delivering animals. This is ruled out by the guidelines of the major German Poultry Meat producers. These companies organise regular meetings with their caretaking vets to find out if there is still use of antimicrobials with some of their contractors as alternative to good Hygiene and Biosecurity. Some Poultry Integrations have additional restrictions on the use of some critical antimicrobials like Fluorquinolones and Tetracyclines.