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Antibiotics
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Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming
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Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382). This special issue belongs to the section "Antibiotics Use and Antimicrobial Stewardship".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2021) | Viewed by 93338

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Gernot Zarfel

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Guest Editor
Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Austria
Interests: antibiotics; antibiotic resistance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The use of antibiotics is a common practice in modern agriculture and farming, and the quantities used can easily compete with those used in human medicine. This practice has been increasingly criticized in recent years. It is also to be expected that the discussion on this topic will become even broader in the public. In addition to concerns about animal welfare and the quality of the obtained food, the impact on antibiotic resistance is hardly being discussed. The use of antibiotics, regardless of the area of application, leads to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The question of the contribution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from farming to the general problem of antibiotic resistance is still under discussion.

Not all resistant clone lines can be traced back to their origin in agriculture as easily as in livestock- associated MRSA. The active exchange of genetic information via different vectors makes it difficult to quantify the exact impact. This goes hand in hand with the distribution of the antibiotics and the induced resistances, be it via the food chain or via surface and ground water. In all these cases, there is also a mixing up with contaminants from human medicine.

In any case, actions are being taken (and will be taken) to further optimize and regulate the use of antibiotics in agriculture in order to reduce the effects on human health while maintaining or even improving the benefits of using antibiotics in agriculture.

Dr. Gernot Zarfel
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Antibiotics
  • antibiotic resistance
  • livestock
  • farming
  • food production
  • environmental contamination
  • consumer concerns
  • animal welfare
  • growth promoter
  • prophylaxis
  • horizontal gene transfer

Published Papers (21 papers)

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11 pages, 242 KiB  
Article
Practices and Challenges of Veterinary Paraprofessionals in Regards to Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Animals in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
by Gasto Frumence, Leonard E. G. Mboera, Calvin Sindato, Anna Durrance-Bagale, Anne-Sophie Jung, Stephen E. Mshana, Taane G. Clark, Helena Legido-Quigley and Mecky I. Matee
Antibiotics 2021, 10(6), 733; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10060733 - 17 Jun 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3609
Abstract
We conducted a qualitative study to explore the practices and challenges of veterinary paraprofessionals (paravets) on antimicrobial use and resistance in domestic animals. Methods: This was a qualitative study, which involved semi-structured interviews with paravets from the Ilala, Ubungo, Kigamboni, Kinondoni, and Temeke [...] Read more.
We conducted a qualitative study to explore the practices and challenges of veterinary paraprofessionals (paravets) on antimicrobial use and resistance in domestic animals. Methods: This was a qualitative study, which involved semi-structured interviews with paravets from the Ilala, Ubungo, Kigamboni, Kinondoni, and Temeke districts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Results: A total of 40 paravets participated in this study. The majority (72.5%) admitted to having not undergone any formal training on antimicrobial use and/or resistance. Paravets face several challenges, including poor working conditions and having no access to laboratory services to advise on antimicrobial choice and selection. They also face challenges from livestock farmers such as the inability to afford the recommended medicines, the self-prescription of antimicrobials, and poor record keeping. The presence of sub-standard medicine and the lack of guidelines on the appropriate disposal of medicines were also identified as affecting their services. Conclusion: Paravets should be trained in the judicious use of antimicrobials, and the same training should be used to refresh their knowledge on the diagnosis and prevention of infections. The Veterinary Council of Tanzania and other regulatory agencies should assist in addressing the challenges facing paravets that are related to animal health services and the quality of medicines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
16 pages, 275 KiB  
Article
The Effect of α-Monolaurin and Butyrate Supplementation on Broiler Performance and Gut Health in the Absence and Presence of the Antibiotic Growth Promoter Zinc Bacitracin
by Bakang R. Letlole, Ellen P. C. W. Damen and Christine Jansen van Rensburg
Antibiotics 2021, 10(6), 651; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10060651 - 29 May 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3089
Abstract
The use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) is common practice to improve broiler production and performance. The use of AGP is under discussion as it can induce bacterial resistance. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of removing AGP from [...] Read more.
The use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) is common practice to improve broiler production and performance. The use of AGP is under discussion as it can induce bacterial resistance. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of removing AGP from broiler feed and study the effect of feed additives. For those countries where in-feed AGP are still permitted, the effect of the products in the presence of AGP was evaluated. Half the number of male broilers received a diet free of AGP, whereas the other half received a diet supplemented with zinc bacitracin at 0.5 g/kg. Both diets were either without additional additives or combined with a coated sodium butyrate, α-monolaurin or a combination of these additives. Raised under optimal conditions, the incorporation of AGP had no effect on broiler performance, but negatively affected villi height and villi height to crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio in the duodenum. In the absence of AGP, butyric acid and α-monolaurin had a positive effect on villi height. In the presence of AGP, α-monolaurin resulted in the lowest feed conversion ratio and improved VH:CD ratio in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Both feed additives had minimal effect on performance parameters but showed small positive effects on gut health in the absence of AGP and could play a role in the strategy to replace AGP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
13 pages, 6330 KiB  
Article
Quantification and Trends of Antimicrobial Use in Commercial Broiler Chicken Production in Pakistan
by Muhammad Umair, Muhammad Farooq Tahir, Riasat Wasee Ullah, Jabir Ali, Naila Siddique, Ayesha Rasheed, Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Usman Zaheer and Mashkoor Mohsin
Antibiotics 2021, 10(5), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10050598 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5804
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge and antimicrobial use (AMU) in the livestock sector has been considered as one of the contributing factors towards the development of AMR in bacteria. This study summarizes the results of a point prevalence survey conducted [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge and antimicrobial use (AMU) in the livestock sector has been considered as one of the contributing factors towards the development of AMR in bacteria. This study summarizes the results of a point prevalence survey conducted to monitor farm-level AMU in commercial broiler chicken farms in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) provinces of Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted to quantify AMU and to check seasonal variations of AMU in 12 commercial broiler chicken farms (six from each province) during the summer and winter seasons of the year 2020–2021. AMU was recorded using three AMU metrics: kg, mg per population correction unit (mg/PCU), and mg/kg of final flock weight. A total of 22 antimicrobial drugs (348.59 kg) were used for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes in surveyed broiler chicken farms. The total combined AMU for all the broiler chicken farms was 462.57 mg/PCU. The use of most of the antimicrobials increased during winter flocks compared to summer. The top three antimicrobial drugs used during the summer were neomycin (111.39 mg/PCU), doxycycline (91.91 mg/PCU), and tilmicosin (77.22 mg/PCU), whereas doxycycline (196.81 mg/PCU), neomycin (136.74 mg/PCU), and amoxicillin (115.04 mg/PCU) during the winter. Overall, 60% of the antibiotics used in broiler chicken were critically important antimicrobial classes (CIA) for human medicine as characterized by the World Health Organization. Our findings showed high AMU in broiler chicken production and a call for urgent actions to regulate CIA use in food animals in Pakistan. This baseline survey is critical for the design and implementation of a subsequent national level AMU surveys that can include additional farming types, animals’ species, and geographical locations over a longer period of time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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17 pages, 5440 KiB  
Article
Prevalence, Virulence Gene Distribution and Alarming the Multidrug Resistance of Aeromonas hydrophila Associated with Disease Outbreaks in Freshwater Aquaculture
by Doan Thi Nhinh, Dung Viet Le, Kim Van Van, Nguyen Thi Huong Giang, Lua Thi Dang and Truong Dinh Hoai
Antibiotics 2021, 10(5), 532; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10050532 - 04 May 2021
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 5605
Abstract
The study aims to evaluate the infection prevalence, virulence gene distribution and antimicrobial resistance of Aeromonas hydrophila associated in diseased outbreaks of cultured freshwater fish in Northern Vietnam. The confirmed A. hydrophila were screened for the presence of the five pitutative-virulence genes including [...] Read more.
The study aims to evaluate the infection prevalence, virulence gene distribution and antimicrobial resistance of Aeromonas hydrophila associated in diseased outbreaks of cultured freshwater fish in Northern Vietnam. The confirmed A. hydrophila were screened for the presence of the five pitutative-virulence genes including aerolysin (aerA), hemolysin (hlyA), cytotonic enterotoxin (act), heat-labile cytotonic enterotoxin (alt), and heat-stable enterotoxin (ast), and examined the susceptibility to 16 antibiotics. A total of 236 A. hydrophila isolates were recovered and confirmed from 506 diseased fish by phenotypic tests, PCR assays, and gyrB, rpoB sequenced analyses, corresponding to the infection prevalence at 46.4%. A total of 88.9% of A. hydrophila isolates harbored at least one of the tested virulence genes. The genes aerA and act were most frequently found (80.5% and 80.1%, respectively) while the ast gene was absent in all isolates. The resistance to oxacillin, amoxicillin and vancomycin exhibited the highest frequencies (>70%), followed by erythromycin, oxytetracycline, florfenicol, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (9.3–47.2%). The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged between 0.13–0.88 with 74.7% of the isolates having MAR values higher than 0.2. The results present a warning for aquaculture farmers and managers in preventing the spread of A. hydrophila and minimizing antibiotic resistance of this pathogen in fish farming systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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10 pages, 655 KiB  
Article
Multiresistant Bacteria Isolated from Intestinal Faeces of Farm Animals in Austria
by Herbert Galler, Josefa Luxner, Christian Petternel, Franz F. Reinthaler, Juliana Habib, Doris Haas, Clemens Kittinger, Peter Pless, Gebhard Feierl and Gernot Zarfel
Antibiotics 2021, 10(4), 466; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10040466 - 20 Apr 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2618
Abstract
In recent years, antibiotic-resistant bacteria with an impact on human health, such as extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-containing Enterobacteriaceae, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), have become more common in food. This is due to the use of antibiotics in animal [...] Read more.
In recent years, antibiotic-resistant bacteria with an impact on human health, such as extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-containing Enterobacteriaceae, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), have become more common in food. This is due to the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry, which leads to the promotion of antibiotic resistance and thus also makes food a source of such resistant bacteria. Most studies dealing with this issue usually focus on the animals or processed food products to examine the antibiotic resistant bacteria. This study investigated the intestine as another main habitat besides the skin for multiresistant bacteria. For this purpose, faeces samples were taken directly from the intestines of swine (n = 71) and broiler (n = 100) during the slaughter process and analysed. All samples were from animals fed in Austria and slaughtered in Austrian slaughterhouses for food production. The samples were examined for the presence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, MRSA, MRCoNS and VRE. The resistance genes of the isolated bacteria were detected and sequenced by PCR. Phenotypic ESBL-producing Escherichia coli could be isolated in 10% of broiler casings (10 out of 100) and 43.6% of swine casings (31 out of 71). In line with previous studies, the results of this study showed that CTX-M-1 was the dominant ESBL produced by E. coli from swine (n = 25, 83.3%) and SHV-12 from broilers (n = 13, 81.3%). Overall, the frequency of positive samples with multidrug-resistant bacteria was lower than in most comparable studies focusing on meat products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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11 pages, 638 KiB  
Article
Occurrence and Survival of Livestock-Associated MRSA in Pig Manure and on Agriculture Fields
by Lӕrke Boye Astrup, Julie Elvekjӕr Hansen and Karl Pedersen
Antibiotics 2021, 10(4), 448; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10040448 - 16 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2236
Abstract
Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) is widespread in European pig production, and an increasing number of humans attract infections with this bacterium. Although most infections occur in humans with direct livestock contact, an increasing number of infections occur in humans without any established [...] Read more.
Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) is widespread in European pig production, and an increasing number of humans attract infections with this bacterium. Although most infections occur in humans with direct livestock contact, an increasing number of infections occur in humans without any established livestock contact. There have been speculations that at least some of these infections may be connected to the exposure of liquid pig manure for example spread as fertilizers. The present study therefore undertook to measure the presence of LA-MRSA in liquid pig manure and on the surface of soils fertilized with liquid manure and investigate the survival of the bacterium in manure. The results showed that LA-MRSA could be detected in 7 out of 20 liquid manure samples and in 12 out of 186 soil samples. However, the bacterium was not more frequently detected in samples collected after compared to before the spreading of liquid manure on the fields, thus suggesting that other sources of LA-MRSA on agriculture fields likely exist. The decimation time in liquid manure was >32 days at 5 °C in vitro but decreased with increasing temperature. Based on these results, liquid manure does not appear to be an important risk factor for human exposure to LA-MRSA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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10 pages, 9414 KiB  
Article
Occurrence of Multidrug Resistant Escherichia coli in Raw Meat and Cloaca Swabs in Poultry Processed in Slaughter Slabs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
by Fauster X. Mgaya, Mecky I. Matee, Amandus P. Muhairwa and Abubakar S. Hoza
Antibiotics 2021, 10(4), 343; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10040343 - 24 Mar 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3049
Abstract
This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2020, in five large poultry slaughter slabs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Purposive sampling was used to select broilers and spent layers, from which meat and cloaca swabs were collected to determine the occurrence [...] Read more.
This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2020, in five large poultry slaughter slabs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Purposive sampling was used to select broilers and spent layers, from which meat and cloaca swabs were collected to determine the occurrence of multidrug resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli. Identification of isolates was done using API 20E, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed as per CLSI (2018) guidelines. EBSL (CTX-M, TEM, SHV) and plasmid mediated quinolone (qnrA, qnrB, qnrS and aac(6′)-Ib-cr) were screened using PCR. Out of 384 samples, 212 (55.2%) were positive for E. coli, of which 147 (69.3%) were resistant to multiple drugs (MDR). Highest resistance was detected to tetracycline (91.9%), followed by sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (80.5%), ampicillin (70.9%), ciprofloxacin (40.2%) and 25% cefotaxime, gentamycin (10.8%) and imipenem (8.6%) (95% CI, p < 0.01). Out of the E. coli-positive samples, ten (10/212) (4.7%) were ESBL producing E. coli, of which CTX-M was detected in two isolates and quinolones resistant gene (qnrS) in eight, while TEM, SHV, qnrA, qnrB and aac(6′)-lb-cr were not detected. The high level of resistance and multidrug resistance imply these antibiotics are ineffective, add unnecessary cost to poultry farmers and certainly facilitate emergence and spread of resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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18 pages, 696 KiB  
Article
Exploring Farmers’ Reasons for Antibiotic Use and Misuse in Pig Farms in Brazil
by Rita Albernaz-Gonçalves, Gabriela Olmos and Maria José Hötzel
Antibiotics 2021, 10(3), 331; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10030331 - 22 Mar 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4334
Abstract
Stressful management that makes farmed pigs susceptible to infections is associated with high antibiotic use (AMU) and resistance (AMR). Pig farmers are key stakeholders to support the international agenda pushing AMU restrictions. We interviewed 58 pig farmers on AMU/AMR, biosecurity, veterinary assistance, disease [...] Read more.
Stressful management that makes farmed pigs susceptible to infections is associated with high antibiotic use (AMU) and resistance (AMR). Pig farmers are key stakeholders to support the international agenda pushing AMU restrictions. We interviewed 58 pig farmers on AMU/AMR, biosecurity, veterinary assistance, disease prevention and treatment, aiming to understand practices and attitudes towards the AMU/AMR problem. Farmers described a reliance on antibiotics to prevent and treat disease while neglecting biosecurity measures. We identified inappropriate AMU practices (high use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, incorrect dosage or treatment length) and unrestricted access to antibiotics, which encouraged imprudent AMU. Nevertheless, most farmers considered this AMU legitimate to guarantee herd productivity and showed unpreparedness and resistance to changing AMU practices, perceiving limitations (economic, sanitary and inspection) more easily than alternatives to reduce AMU. Agro-industries and foreign markets were mentioned, and internal consumers dismissed as potential motivators for behavioral changes. Importantly, farmers’ economic, technical and social factors may limit their autonomy to change practices. We conclude that the observed distancing of pig farmers from the AMU/AMR problem limits the efficiency of policies aiming for a prudent AMU. Our study indicates a need for education, training and behavior change nudging that should include other stakeholders beyond farmers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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17 pages, 1165 KiB  
Article
Could Contracts between Pharmaceutical Firms and French Veterinarians Bias Prescription Behaviour: A Principal-Agency Theory Approach in the Context of Oligopolies
by Didier Raboisson, Ahmed Ferchiou, Tifenn Corre, Sylvain Perez, Pierre Sans, Guillaume Lhermie and Marie Dervillé
Antibiotics 2021, 10(2), 176; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10020176 - 10 Feb 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2833
Abstract
In France, veterinarians can both prescribe and deliver veterinary medicines, which is a questionable situation from the perspective of antimicrobial use (AMU) reduction to avoid antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This situation places veterinarians in direct commercial relationships with the pharmaceutical industry as purchase contracts [...] Read more.
In France, veterinarians can both prescribe and deliver veterinary medicines, which is a questionable situation from the perspective of antimicrobial use (AMU) reduction to avoid antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This situation places veterinarians in direct commercial relationships with the pharmaceutical industry as purchase contracts are signed between veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies. The aim of the present work is to analyse the relationships between veterinarians and pharmaceutical firms in the oligopoly market context of French veterinary medicine to determine whether the prescription behaviour of practitioners can be biased by joint prescription and delivery. Therefore, we develop an analysis based on principal-agent theory. Contracts between pharmaceutical companies and veterinarians during the 2008–2014 period were analysed based on 382 contracts related to 47 drugs belonging to eight main pharmaceutical firms (2320 observations). The price per unit after rebate of each drug and contract was calculated. The descriptive analysis demonstrated high disparity among the contracts across pharmaceutical firms with regard to the provisions of the contracts and how they are presented. Then, linear regression was used to explain the price per unit after rebate based on the explanatory variables, which included the yearly purchase objective, year, type of drug and type of rebate. The decrease in price per unit after rebate for each extra €1000 purchase objective per drug category was established to be €0.061 per 100 kg body weight for anticoccidiosis treatments, €0.029 per 100 kg body weight for anti-inflammatories, €0.0125 per 100 kg body weight and €0.0845 per animal for antiparasitics, and €0.031 per animal for intramammary antimicrobials. Applying agency theory reveals that veterinarians can be considered agents in the case of monopolistic situations involving pharmaceutical firms; otherwise, veterinarians are considered principals (oligopolistic situations in which at least several medicines have similar indications). The present study does not provide evidence suggesting that joint prescription and delivery may introduce any potential prescription bias linked to conflicts of interest under the market conditions during the 2008–2014 period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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13 pages, 331 KiB  
Article
Meat Consumers’ Opinion Regarding Unhealthy Pigs: Should They Be Treated with Antibiotics or Euthanized on Farm?
by Dayane Lemos Teixeira, Daniel Enriquez-Hidalgo, Tamara Estay Espinoza, Fernando Bas and Maria José Hötzel
Antibiotics 2021, 10(1), 60; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10010060 - 09 Jan 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2310
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the opinions of meat consumers (n = 1780) on on-farm management of unhealthy pigs, whether support for treatment with antibiotics varies according with chance of recovery, and the effect of knowledge on the use of [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate the opinions of meat consumers (n = 1780) on on-farm management of unhealthy pigs, whether support for treatment with antibiotics varies according with chance of recovery, and the effect of knowledge on the use of antibiotics on these opinions. Most participants believed that the use of antibiotics was the best solution for unhealthy pigs, and this was associated with a low level of knowledge about antibiotics. Increasing the probability of recovery after treatment increased support for treating pigs with antibiotics. However, the majority of participants rejected the consumption of meat from animals housed in “hospital pens”. After price, concern with food safety was the second main factor that influenced participants’ choice when buying meat. Support for the use of antibiotics to deal with unhealthy pigs in “hospital pens”, as well as for consumption of the meat from these animals, was higher among participants involved in agriculture. This shows that consumers are unaware of the potential negative repercussions for animal welfare associated with banning or reducing the use of antibiotics in livestock production, which is an important concern for the industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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15 pages, 4576 KiB  
Article
Evaluation and Optimization of Antibiotics Resistance Profile against Clostridium perfringens from Buffalo and Cattle in Pakistan
by Muhammad Umar Zafar Khan, Muhammad Humza, Shunli Yang, Muhammad Zahid Iqbal, Xiao Xu and Jianping Cai
Antibiotics 2021, 10(1), 59; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10010059 - 08 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3372
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is a serious threat to successful bovine farming. It causes severe damage to the buffalo and cattle health causing a drastic reduction in milk and meat production. In Pakistan, C. perfringens is a constant threat, and for its management, antibiotics are [...] Read more.
Clostridium perfringens is a serious threat to successful bovine farming. It causes severe damage to the buffalo and cattle health causing a drastic reduction in milk and meat production. In Pakistan, C. perfringens is a constant threat, and for its management, antibiotics are mostly used. Most bovine farmers use a single antibiotic to suppress the bacterial infection which in turn, increases the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) against the particular antibiotic. To reduce the resistance, the administration of multiple antibiotics in their standard doses at different times can be a possible remedy to manage the AMR and reduce their viability. This study aims to evaluate the effect of 11 commonly used antibiotics at their standard concentrations for inhibiting 33 strains of C. perfringens from five districts of Punjab province in Pakistan. Based on the zone of inhibition, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, and cefotaxime (CAC) at their standard concentrations effectively inhibited the bacterium. These antibiotics showed appropriate significance statistically, i.e., correlation, Chi-square test, and cluster analysis. Optimization of these antibiotics using response surface methodology (RSM) revealed that the selected antibiotics from medium to high range not only reduce the bacterial propagation but also their population up to a considerable extent. Hence, the health of milk- and meat-producing large animals could be improved, which will be cost-effective and less harmful to the animal, human health, and the environment. Moreover, optimized administration of the selected antibiotics would reduce the impact of drug-resistant superbugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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13 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Assessing Upstream Determinants of Antibiotic Use in Small-Scale Food Animal Production through a Simulated Client Method
by Zachary Butzin-Dozier, William F. Waters, Martin Baca, Rommel Lenin Vinueza, Carlos Saraiva-Garcia and Jay Graham
Antibiotics 2021, 10(1), 2; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10010002 - 23 Dec 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2858
Abstract
Small-scale food animal production has been celebrated as a means of economic mobility and improved food security but the use of veterinary antibiotics among these producers may be contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance in animals and humans. In order to improve [...] Read more.
Small-scale food animal production has been celebrated as a means of economic mobility and improved food security but the use of veterinary antibiotics among these producers may be contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance in animals and humans. In order to improve antibiotic stewardship in this sector, it is critical to identify the drivers of producers’ antibiotic use. This study assessed the determinants of antibiotic use in small-scale food animal production through simulated client visits to veterinary supply stores and surveys with households that owned food animals (n = 117) in Ecuador. Eighty percent of households with food animals owned chickens and 78% of those with chickens owned fewer than 10 birds. Among the households with small-scale food animals, 21% reported giving antibiotics to their food animals within the last six months. Simulated client visits indicated that veterinary sales agents frequently recommended inappropriate antibiotic use, as 66% of sales agents recommended growth promoting antibiotics, and 48% of sales agents recommended an antibiotic that was an inappropriate class for disease treatment. In contrast, few sales agents (3%) were willing to sell colistin, an antibiotic banned for veterinary use in Ecuador as of January 2020, which supports the effectiveness of government regulation in antibiotic stewardship. The cumulative evidence provided by this study indicates that veterinary sales agents play an active role in promoting indiscriminate and inappropriate use of antibiotics in small-scale food animal production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
10 pages, 1109 KiB  
Article
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Eradication with Enrofloxacin May Lead to Dissemination and Long-Term Persistence of Quinolone Resistant Escherichia coli in Pig Herds
by Håkon Kaspersen, Anne Margrete Urdahl, Carl Andreas Grøntvedt, Stine Margrethe Gulliksen, Bereket Tesfamichael, Jannice Schau Slettemeås, Madelaine Norström and Camilla Sekse
Antibiotics 2020, 9(12), 910; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics9120910 - 15 Dec 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2033
Abstract
Norway has a favourable situation with regard to health status and antimicrobial usage in the pig production sector. However, one of the major disease-causing agents in the commercial pig population is Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP). In some herds, APP eradication has been performed by [...] Read more.
Norway has a favourable situation with regard to health status and antimicrobial usage in the pig production sector. However, one of the major disease-causing agents in the commercial pig population is Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP). In some herds, APP eradication has been performed by using enrofloxacin in combination with a partial herd depopulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of a single treatment event with enrofloxacin on the occurrence of quinolone resistant Escherichia coli (QREC). The study was designed as a retrospective case/control study, where the herds were selected based on treatment history. Faecal samples were taken from sows, gilts, fattening pigs and weaners for all herds where available. A semi-quantitative culturing method was used to identify the relative quantity of QREC in the faecal samples. A significant difference in overall occurrence and relative quantity of QREC was identified between the case and control herds, as well as between each animal age group within the case/control groups. The results indicate that a single treatment event with enrofloxacin significantly increased the occurrence of QREC in the herd, even years after treatment and with no subsequent exposure to quinolones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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20 pages, 1004 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Drivers of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Poultry and Domestic Pig Farming in the Msimbazi River Basin in Tanzania
by Zuhura I. Kimera, Gasto Frumence, Leonard E. G. Mboera, Mark Rweyemamu, Stephen E. Mshana and Mecky I. N. Matee
Antibiotics 2020, 9(12), 838; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics9120838 - 24 Nov 2020
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3749
Abstract
Uncontrolled use of drugs both in humans and animals coupled with environmental contamination exacerbate the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This paper assessed the drivers of antimicrobial use and resistance in poultry and domestic pig farming and the environment. Questionnaires, in-depth interviews, [...] Read more.
Uncontrolled use of drugs both in humans and animals coupled with environmental contamination exacerbate the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This paper assessed the drivers of antimicrobial use and resistance in poultry and domestic pig farming and the environment. Questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to collect information regarding demographic characteristics, knowledge, practices, attitudes, and perceptions of the drivers of antimicrobial use and resistance in animal farming and the environment. We found a higher proportion of usage of veterinary antimicrobials for prophylactic purposes (87.6%) in animal farming, than for therapeutic purposes (80.5%). The degree of farming experience was significantly (p < 0.05) related to the knowledge on the source of antimicrobial use, methods used in disease diagnosis, access to veterinary services, stocking of antimicrobials at home, and presence of agriculture activities that involve the use of manure. Uncontrolled disposal of wastes from households, disposal of human and veterinary drugs, and weak implementation of the legal framework was identified as the major contributors to the environment. The high usage of veterinary antimicrobials and the environmental contamination identified requires multisectoral interventions, as well as a review of government strategies, policies, and regulations on antimicrobial use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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16 pages, 838 KiB  
Article
The Impacts of Animal Health Service Providers on Antimicrobial Use Attitudes and Practices: An Examination of Poultry Layer Farmers in Ghana and Kenya
by Kofi Afakye, Stella Kiambi, Eric Koka, Emmanuel Kabali, Alejandro Dorado-Garcia, Ann Amoah, Tabitha Kimani, Benjamin Adjei and Mark A Caudell
Antibiotics 2020, 9(9), 554; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics9090554 - 28 Aug 2020
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4816
Abstract
International organizations and governments have argued that animal health service providers can play a vital role in limiting antimicrobial resistance by promoting the prudent use of antimicrobials. However, there is little research on the impact of these service providers on prudent use at [...] Read more.
International organizations and governments have argued that animal health service providers can play a vital role in limiting antimicrobial resistance by promoting the prudent use of antimicrobials. However, there is little research on the impact of these service providers on prudent use at the farm level, especially in low- and middle-income countries where enforcement of prudent-use regulations is limited. Here, we use a mixed-methods approach to assess how animal health-seeking practices on layer farms in Ghana (n = 110) and Kenya (n = 76) impact self-reported antimicrobial usage, engagement in prudent administration and withdrawal practices and perceptions of antimicrobial resistance. In general, our results show that the frequency of health-seeking across a range of service providers (veterinarians, agrovets, and feed distributors) does not significantly correlate with prudent or non-prudent use practices or the levels of antimicrobials used. Instead, we find that patterns of antimicrobial use are linked to how much farmers invest in biosecurity (e.g., footbaths) and the following vaccination protocols. Our results emphasize that more research is required to understand the interactions between animal health service providers and farmers regarding antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance. Addressing these gaps will be crucial to inform antimicrobial stewardship training, curriculums and, guidelines whose ultimate purpose is to limit the selection and transmission of antimicrobial resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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17 pages, 2129 KiB  
Article
Controlled Fermentation Using Autochthonous Lactobacillus plantarum Improves Antimicrobial Potential of Chinese Chives against Poultry Pathogens
by Damini Kothari, Woo-Do Lee, Eun Sung Jung, Kai-Min Niu, Choong Hwan Lee and Soo-Ki Kim
Antibiotics 2020, 9(7), 386; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics9070386 - 07 Jul 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3458
Abstract
Chinese chives (CC) are rich in several antimicrobial constituents including organosulfur compounds, phenolics, and saponins, among others. Herein, we fermented CC juice using an autochthonous isolate, Lactobacillus plantarum having antimicrobial effects against poultry pathogens toward formulating an antimicrobial feed additive. Following 24 h [...] Read more.
Chinese chives (CC) are rich in several antimicrobial constituents including organosulfur compounds, phenolics, and saponins, among others. Herein, we fermented CC juice using an autochthonous isolate, Lactobacillus plantarum having antimicrobial effects against poultry pathogens toward formulating an antimicrobial feed additive. Following 24 h of fermentation, the antimicrobial and antiviral activities of CC juice were significantly enhanced against poultry pathogens. However, the antioxidant activity of CC juice was significantly decreased following fermentation. Meanwhile, the compositional changes of CC juice following fermentation were also investigated. The total polyphenol, thiol, and allicin contents were significantly decreased in L. plantarum 24 h-fermented CC juice (LpCC) extract; however, total flavonoids increased significantly following fermentation. The untargeted metabolite profiling of nonfermented CC juice (NCC) and LpCC extracts was carried out using the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-linear trap quadrupole-orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS) followed by multivariate analyses. The score plots of principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) based on UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS datasets displayed a clear segregation between the LpCC and NCC samples, which suggests their marked metabolomic disparity. Based on the multivariate analysis, we selected 17 significantly discriminant metabolites belonging to the different chemical classes including alkaloid, flavonols, saponins, fatty acids, amino acids, and organic acids. Notably, the flavonols including the glycosides of quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin as well as the saponins displayed significantly higher relative abundance in LpCC as compared with NCC. This study provides useful insights for the development of a fermented CC juice based antimicrobial feed additive to combat poultry infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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17 pages, 1122 KiB  
Article
The Costs, Benefits and Human Behaviours for Antimicrobial Use in Small Commercial Broiler Chicken Systems in Indonesia
by Lucy Coyne, Ian Patrick, Riana Arief, Carolyn Benigno, Wantanee Kalpravidh, James McGrane, Luuk Schoonman, Ady Harja Sukarno and Jonathan Rushton
Antibiotics 2020, 9(4), 154; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics9040154 - 01 Apr 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3863
Abstract
There are growing concerns over the threat to human health from the unregulated use of antimicrobials in livestock. Broiler production is of great economic and social importance in Indonesia. This study used a structured questionnaire approach to explore the human behaviours and economic [...] Read more.
There are growing concerns over the threat to human health from the unregulated use of antimicrobials in livestock. Broiler production is of great economic and social importance in Indonesia. This study used a structured questionnaire approach to explore the human behaviours and economic drivers associated with antimicrobial use in small commercial broiler systems in Indonesia (n = 509). The study showed that antimicrobial use was high with farmers easily able to access antimicrobials through local animal medicine, however, it was difficult for farmers to access veterinary advice on responsible antimicrobial use. The most significant finding was that the relative cost of antimicrobials was low, and farmers observed improvements in productivity rates from routine antimicrobial administration. However, farmers seldom kept detailed records on farm productivity or economic costs; this is a hurdle to undertaking a more detailed economic analysis of antimicrobial use. There is a need for further research on the cost-effectiveness of alternative methods of preventing disease and ensuring that feasible alternatives are easily available. Farm-level economics and securing the food supply chain need to be central to any future policy interventions to reduce antimicrobial use in broiler systems in Indonesia and this observation is relevant at a regional and global level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

16 pages, 5793 KiB  
Review
Pollution by Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance in LiveStock and Poultry Manure in China, and Countermeasures
by Ming Tian, Xinmiao He, Yanzhong Feng, Wentao Wang, Heshu Chen, Ming Gong, Di Liu, Jihong Liu Clarke and André van Eerde
Antibiotics 2021, 10(5), 539; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10050539 - 06 May 2021
Cited by 112 | Viewed by 11034
Abstract
The demand for animal protein has increased considerably worldwide, especially in China, where large numbers of livestock and poultry are produced. Antibiotics have been widely applied to promote growth and prevent diseases. However, the overuse of antibiotics in animal feed has caused serious [...] Read more.
The demand for animal protein has increased considerably worldwide, especially in China, where large numbers of livestock and poultry are produced. Antibiotics have been widely applied to promote growth and prevent diseases. However, the overuse of antibiotics in animal feed has caused serious environmental and health risks, especially the wide spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which seriously affects animal and human health, food safety, ecosystems, and the sustainable future development of animal protein production. Unfortunately, AMR has already become a worldwide challenge, so international cooperation is becoming more important for combatting it. China’s efforts and determination to restrict antibiotic usage through law enforcement and effective management are of significance. In this review, we address the pollution problems of antibiotics; in particular, the AMR in water, soil, and plants caused by livestock and poultry manure in China. The negative impact of widespread and intensive use of antibiotics in livestock production is discussed. To reduce and mitigate AMR problems, we emphasize in this review the development of antibiotic substitutes for the era of antibiotic prohibition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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24 pages, 1394 KiB  
Review
Successful Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals—A Retrospective Country Case Study of Sweden
by Martin Wierup, Helene Wahlström and Björn Bengtsson
Antibiotics 2021, 10(2), 129; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10020129 - 29 Jan 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4453
Abstract
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have resulted in an alarmingly high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human and animal bacteria. European monitoring programmes show that AMR occurrence in food animals is lower in Sweden than in most other EU Member States [...] Read more.
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have resulted in an alarmingly high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human and animal bacteria. European monitoring programmes show that AMR occurrence in food animals is lower in Sweden than in most other EU Member States and that the use of antibiotics for animals is among the lowest in Europe. In this retrospective country case study, we analysed published documents to identify factors contributing to this favourable situation. A fundamental factor identified was early insight into and sustained awareness of the risks of AMR and the need for the prudent use of antibiotics. Early and continuous access to data on antibiotic use and AMR made it possible to focus activities on areas of concern. Another factor identified was the long-term control and eradication of infectious animal diseases, including coordinated activities against endemic diseases, which reduced the need to use antibiotics. Structures and strategies for that purpose established at the national level have since proven useful in counteracting AMR as an integral part of disease prevention and control, guided by a “prevention is better than cure” approach. A third factor identified was consensus among stakeholders on the need to address AMR and their cooperation in the design and implementation of measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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18 pages, 289 KiB  
Review
The Current Status of the Alternative Use to Antibiotics in Poultry Production: An African Perspective
by Letlhogonolo Andrew Selaledi, Zahra Mohammed Hassan, Tlou Grace Manyelo and Monnye Mabelebele
Antibiotics 2020, 9(9), 594; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics9090594 - 11 Sep 2020
Cited by 64 | Viewed by 8347
Abstract
Over the years the growth and health of food-producing animals have been enhanced by the use of antibiotics. These have helped reduce on-farm mortalities, lower incidences of diseases and more importantly improve productivity. Generally, the utilization of antibiotics in feed has been reevaluated [...] Read more.
Over the years the growth and health of food-producing animals have been enhanced by the use of antibiotics. These have helped reduce on-farm mortalities, lower incidences of diseases and more importantly improve productivity. Generally, the utilization of antibiotics in feed has been reevaluated since bacterial pathogens have established and shared a variety of antibiotic resistance mechanisms that can easily be spread within microbial communities. Multiple countries have introduced bans or severe restrictions on the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics. This has therefore warranted the urgent need for alternatives. Africa is facing its own challenges as it has been reported to be one of the continents with the highest number of foodborne diseases with approximately 91 million related diseases and 137,000 death per annum. Stakeholder and policy direction has been put in place to curb this escalation; however, the problem persists. The use of alternatives has been recommended and some successfully used in other countries as well as Africa, including pro- and prebiotics and phytochemicals. This then leads to the core aim of this review which is to (1) determine the extent to which antimicrobial-resistant pathogens have affected Africa, (2) assess the current measures put in place by Africa to reduces antimicrobial resistance and finally (3) explore the alternative use of antibiotics in poultry production. Improved sanitary conditions and farm biosecurity are important alternatives that could be adopted by farmers instead of depending on antibiotic drugs for disease control and prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

15 pages, 2669 KiB  
Systematic Review
Antimicrobial Residues in Food from Animal Origin—A Review of the Literature Focusing on Products Collected in Stores and Markets Worldwide
by Fritz Michael Treiber and Heide Beranek-Knauer
Antibiotics 2021, 10(5), 534; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antibiotics10050534 - 06 May 2021
Cited by 54 | Viewed by 8188
Abstract
The extensive use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic residues in frequently consumed foods. Generally, the main use of antibiotics in animals is to treat and prevent diseases and growth promotion. However, the residues and their breakdown products have several side effects on the [...] Read more.
The extensive use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic residues in frequently consumed foods. Generally, the main use of antibiotics in animals is to treat and prevent diseases and growth promotion. However, the residues and their breakdown products have several side effects on the human body and, in a broader sense, on the environment. In relation to the human body, the frequency of mutations is increased, the bone marrow is damaged (chloramphenicol), and the reproductive organs of humans are affected. Carcinogenic effects have been found with antibiotics such as sulfamethazine, oxytetracycline, and furazolidone. We summarized data from 73 scientific studies reporting antimicrobial residues in animal products that were freely available for sale. The studies were published in English starting from 1999 till 2021 and identified through the Pubmed search engine. The aims were to find out which antibiotics, legal or illegal, could be found in animal foods worldwide. Which are stable to get into the food chain and exceed the maximum residue limits (MRL) regarding the EU guidelines as a comparison. Reducing antimicrobial residues in food from animal origin and, in addition to this, fighting the tremendous growth and spread of antimicrobial resistance will undoubtedly be one of the most difficult food safety challenges in the coming years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Usage of Antibiotic in Agriculture and Animal Farming)
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