The Next Step to Further Decrease Veterinary Antibiotic Applications: Phytogenic Alternatives and Effective...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Animal Husbandry

Background:

• Antibiotics are vital for treating infectious diseases in animals and humans.
• Overuse in animal husbandry contributes to antibiotic resistance, posing public health risks.
• Shared antibiotic use in human and animal healthcare necessitates reduced usage in production animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore innovative strategies for further reducing antibiotic usage in animal agriculture.
• To investigate the role of farm management and natural alternatives.
• To assess novel bioanalytical methods for monitoring antibiotic use.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing Dutch policies and initiatives for decreasing antibiotic use.
• Evaluation of knowledge dissemination strategies like "Barnbooks" for farmers and veterinarians.
• Development and trial-testing of bioanalytical methods for monitoring on-farm antibiotic applications.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in antibiotic usage (70% since 2009) has stagnated.
• Farm management and natural alternatives are promising strategies.
• Bioanalytical tools enable risk-based monitoring and identification of high-risk users.

Conclusions:

• Further reduction in veterinary antibiotic use requires innovative approaches beyond current policies.
• Effective monitoring systems and accessible knowledge of alternatives are essential.
• Integrating farm management, natural remedies, and robust monitoring can combat antibiotic resistance.