Cross-sectional study on antibiotic usage in pigs in Germany

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Understanding antimicrobial usage is crucial for analyzing antimicrobial resistance.
• Mandatory documentation of antimicrobial use in food-producing animals in Germany provides a valuable data source.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze antimicrobial usage patterns in pigs across different age groups in Germany.
• To identify the most frequently used antimicrobial classes and indications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective data collection from 495 German pig farms for the year 2011.
• Analysis of antimicrobial use by age group (sow, piglet, weaner, fattening pig), route of administration, and indication.
• Multifactorial ANOVA to identify factors associated with treatment frequency.

Main Results:

• Total antimicrobial use was 20,374 kg; tetracyclines were most prevalent, followed by beta-lactams, trimethoprim-sulfonamides, and macrolides.
• Respiratory infections were the main indication across all age groups.
• Veterinarian and age group were significant factors influencing treatment frequency, along with interactions involving farm size.

Conclusions:

• Antimicrobial use in German pig farming is substantial, with specific classes and indications dominating.
• Treatment frequency is influenced by veterinarian, age group, and farm size, highlighting areas for targeted intervention to optimize antimicrobial stewardship.