We hear a lot about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and anthelmintic parasite resistance (APR), but what is their significance on the farm?
ntimicrobials are drugs used to treat infections in humans and animals, and include antibiotics, anti-fungal and antiviral drugs; anthelmintics are used to control flukes, roundworms and tapeworms in animals.
There may be some overlap with active ingredients in the two groupings.
Resistance occurs when microorganisms that cause infections adapt, preventing drugs from killing them.
This has huge implications for animal and human health. Scientists have predicted by 2050 that there could be more human deaths from AMR than from cancer.
Each time antibiotics are used, bacteria have the potential to develop resistance.
Resistance is accelerated by some of the things we do on the farm:
■ Overuse of antibiotics;
■ Underdose with antibiotics;
■ Do not complete the treatment course;
■ improper disposal of antibiotics;
■ Use of last resort antibiotics as first-line therapy;
■ Cover use of antibiotics in an unintentional manner;
■ Treatment of bacteria which are not susceptible to the particular antibiotic;
■ Treatment of diseases caused by viruses or other germs which are not susceptible to antibiotics.
Certain drugs are vital for the control of specific microbes; therefore, stricter controls have been introduced, along with proposed greater veterinary care on the farm from 2022 onwards.
Farm tactics
When it comes to animal health, prevention is better than cure.
Within the farm gate there is a need for better disease prevention strategies such as improved biosecurity measures, better housing strategies and more targeted vaccinations / parasite control.
The overarching goal of the farm is to achieve a good animal health condition and minimize stress triggers.
Antibiotic use is required for animal welfare standards but only if necessary. We will then need them to work effectively both on the veterinary front and in human medicine.
A guide to their proper use is the six Rs:
■ Correct veterinary diagnosis;
■ Real animal;
■ Proper antibiotic;
■ Correct dose;
■ Correct duration;
■ Proper storage and durability.
At Schofhaff, antibiotic consumption is not as significant as in some other companies, but there is still room for improvement.
The predominant areas of use are for posture control and around lambing time. There is a need for a more prudent usage policy everywhere and at all times.
Improving farm facilities that allow for greater foot practice, more vaccination programs, and ensuring that newborn lambs receive adequate colostrum can all significantly reduce the overall antibiotic load.
Talk to your veterinarian about antibiotic and anthelmintic use and build a farm health plan. A product administered to a sheep can have an impact on much more than just one animal.
Eamon Patten is a Teagasc Drystock consultant based in Ballinrobe
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