Antimicrobial resistance is a hot topic worldwide. Helen Ward reviews recent research from the United Kingdom and discusses some of the issues and on-farm stewardship results. Source: Feed International, August/September 2017, page 24. Antimicrobial policies have been generated around four key principles: Disease reduction strategies Correct use of medicines … [Read more...]
6 antibiotic myths explained
The antibiotic tools used in cattle today are likely the same ones you’ll have for the rest of your life. That’s the advice from Mike Apley, veterinarian and professor of production medicine and clinical pharmacology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. He’s not saying antibiotic resistance is threatening the cattle business. Instead he says it’s … [Read more...]
World Veterinary Day is April 29
Antimicrobial Resistance – From Awareness to Action, is the theme of World Veterinary Day, which will be celebrated April 29 this year. The celebration of the profession began in 2000 and is scheduled annually for the last Saturday in April. Source: Pork Network, March 21, 2017. Veterinary Services including veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals have a key part to … [Read more...]
Unique research collaboration studies immunity in feedyards
The labels have always read, “for the vaccination of healthy animals” but based on convenience, tradition and a perception of urgency, feedyards often vaccinate calves with modified live virus (MLV) vaccines upon arrival, after they’ve been weaned, commingled, loaded, shipped, shrunk and stressed. Delayed viral vaccination, along with use of an immunostimulant, could help … [Read more...]
Pig producers are VFD ready
In a survey conducted by the National Pork Board in November, 95 percent of pig farmers surveyed said that they were ready to be fully compliant by the time the rules took effect on Jan. 1, 2017. Source: National Hog Farmer, January 9, 2017. Jan Archer, NPB president and a pig farmer from Goldsboro, N.C. noted a key hurdle in complying with new FDA rules is ensuring that … [Read more...]
Microbiome may hold key to antibiotic alternatives
Microbiome describes the community of microorganisms that live on the skin and mucosal surfaces of animals. Kansas State University researchers are studying the microbiome in a PRRS-endemic swineherd. As our industry seeks new alternatives to antibiotics, the microbiome holds potential for discovery. The gut microbiome houses the majority of these microorganisms and is critical … [Read more...]
VFD, the law every DVM needs to know
The title,“VFD: The law every food doc needs to know,” is true. But, many suburban veterinarians will be affected by this law thanks to the many acreages and the increasing popularity of goats. Even beekeepers are subject to VFD regulations. Source: DVM 360, November 2016, page 18. The new regulations go into effect on January 1, 2017. INSIGHTS: The scramble to be … [Read more...]
BQA injection guidelines reviewed
As the cattle industry scurries to get the paper trails in place for the upcoming VFD requirements, it is a good time to review the importance of proper injection site practices for vaccines, vitamins, minerals, injectable antibiotics and NSAIDs. This article will make good content for blogs, newsletters and websites. Source: Beef, November 2016. Be systematic about how you … [Read more...]
VFD point-of-sale tool available
The veterinary feed directive (VFD) takes effect January 1, 2017. Owners of smaller livestock operations, or those who keep food animals as pets, may not have established relationships with veterinarians. Farm Foundation, NFP and the Animal Health Institute have partnered to develop a point-of-sale tool that retailers can use to help customers understand the VFD. It is … [Read more...]
Get Smart About Antibiotics Week
Four educational programs are available on VetFolio during the November 14-20, 2016 antibiotics week. An annual one-week observance promoted by the Centers for Disease Control, the objective is to raise awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use. Source: VetFolio, November 12, 2016. Learn more about the … [Read more...]
Know which products need a VFD before time runs out
The veterinary feed directive (VFD) takes effect January 1, 2017. Here’s a handy list of products affected by the new rule compiled by the National Pork Board and the University of Wisconsin. Source: AGDAILY, November 10, 2016. A VFD can only be issued from a licensed veterinarian, based on a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship, before a producer may use feeds … [Read more...]
Knowledge gap looms on FDA antibiotic rules
With big changes to rules governing antibiotic use in animal agriculture pending at the end of this year, producer opinions range from cautious support to skeptical opposition. Some are taking a wait-and-see approach. John Maday, Bovine Veterinarian editor, shared producer survey feedback that indicates the education process is far from finished. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, … [Read more...]
Dr. Leah Dorman talks about antibiotics
Dr. Dorman shared a few insights on how producers can effectively talk with consumers about antibiotics ahead of the 6th Annual NIAA Antibiotics symposium. Her comments provide reasoning for handling antibiotic discussions. Source: NIAA, September 29, 2016. Dorman is the Director of Food Integrity and Consumer Engagement of Phibro Animal Health. In this role she provides … [Read more...]
Antibiotics in feed: a brief history – Sponsored Content
Ask anyone who has worked in animal health for 10 years or more what the hottest topics are, antibiotic resistance will be one of their first answers. Our world is rapidly adapting our approaches to food production, animal wellness and human health to be less dependent on antibiotics. While viewing this video, I reflected on the how the scientific method* brought us to where … [Read more...]
New resource helps people understand expanded feed directive
Human and animal health experts agree that antibiotic resistance is a public health concern. This is why some agriculture groups, including the Animal Health Institute, National Pork Producers Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Animal Agriculture Alliance launched a new educational website, togetherABX. It offers information about how the Food and Drug … [Read more...]
All U.S. poultry is ‘antibiotic-free’
All poultry meat that enters the U.S. food supply is, by definition, antibiotic-free or, more specifically, it is free of antibiotic residues by the time it reaches consumers — regardless of how the birds were raised. “There is absolutely no nutritional difference in meat from poultry raised without antibiotics compared to poultry that receive antibiotics,” says Mike Lacy, PhD, … [Read more...]
Antibiotic resistance: a human health perspective
Our AHD team urges all animal health professionals to read this three-page overview of the inherent challenges we will deal with as the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) grows. Source: National Institute for Animal Agriculture, August 11, 2016. Sustainable solutions to the AMR problem are required because the “arms race” between human efforts to find magic bullets to … [Read more...]
Staph: old problem, new threat
Staphylococcal infections have gained national media attention recently because of growing resistance to antibiotics. This lecture reviews the basics of staphylococcal pyoderma in dogs and cats. Resistance mechanisms are also discussed. Source: VetFolio, July 26, 2016. Broadcast Dates: August 1 - 14, 2016 (On Demand). Suggestions regarding how to answer your clients’ most … [Read more...]
Rethinking stink about antibiotics in manure
Much of the antibiotics fed to livestock goes to waste — literally. “Often, 90 percent or more of the antibiotic is excreted, according to previous studies,” says Francis Zvomuya, researcher at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. “Manure containing these is then used as fertilizer on crops.” Source: Midwest Ag Journal, July 4, 2016. Zvomuya, Amarakoon and their … [Read more...]
Humans love antibiotics
Antibiotic zealots better include the human animal when they lobby for prudent antibiotic. That’s according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in early May. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, June 27, 2016. Per 1,000 members of the U.S. population, an estimated 506 prescriptions were written annually. Of these, 353 were deemed appropriate based … [Read more...]