Antibiotics Update: Road Map to Responsible Use

Producing healthy, productive pigs is an everyday priority on U.S. hog farms regardless of the type, size or location. Certainly there are many strategies toward that goal, including herd-health measures, genetics, feed and nutrition and a well-trained staff, just to name a few. It requires a comprehensive approach and a variety of tools. “Antibiotics are one tool that I use to keep my animals healthy,” said Brad Greenway, a Mitchell, S.D., pork producer who serves on the Pork Checkoff’s Environmental Committee and the Producer/Public Health and Workplace Safety Committee. He also serves on the National Pork Board. Greenway’s efforts on his hog farm are geared to enhance herd health. Leading the list are strict biosecurity protocols and ensuring good hygiene. Other areas he gives close attention to include vaccination programs, pig flow management, medication use records and an ongoing close working relationship with his veterinarian. “I want to ensure that our animals are well taken care of,” he said, “and if that means using antibiotics when needed, I want to be sure that antibiotics continue to be available.”Jennifer Koeman, DVM, director of producer and public health for the Pork Checkoff, said, “Our producer-led committees continue to seek new information about antibiotics with Checkoff-funded research. We’re also always looking for ways to build on the proven on-farm management tips regarding antibiotics that are found in the Pork QualityAssurance® Plus guidelines.”

Keeping antibiotics available is an increasing challenge with legislative and regulatory pressures surfacing in Washington, D.C. Also, there is significant regulatory action
under way in the form of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Guidance 209, which primarily addresses antibiotics used for growth promotion and broader application of veterinary feed directives (VFDs). The FDA has collected public comments and will hold five listening sessions to gain perspective on the impact of moving to VFDs and to look for solutions to make it work for all stakeholders. “We’re going to see new rules coming out yet this year,” said Liz Wagstrom, DVM, chief veterinarian for the National Pork Producers Council. “We know we’re looking toward reduced availability of growth promotants and a move toward VFDs. As this happens, producers need to continue to foster a good working relationship with their veterinarian.” Greenway echoes that sentiment. “Each farm is different, but you always need to work with your veterinarian to ensure that you’re using antibiotics in the most effective way,” he said. “I’m using fewer antibiotics today than ever, and most producers are diligent about how they use antibiotics. In the end, as producers we all want to produce a safe, high-quality and nutritious product from animals that are well-cared for. And sometimes, this means including the
responsible use of antibiotics.”

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Source: Porkcheckoff