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As the development of antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat for public health, most countries are working towards reducing the use of antimicrobials in livestock. The improvement of the farm biosecurity level is one of the possible measures that can be implemented to promote the reduction of antimicrobial use. This requires the farmer’s involvement and his willingness to participate. However, poor data is currently available regarding farmer perceptions of antimicrobial use.
We conducted a crosssectional study in 60 farrow-to-finish herds located in the Western part of France. The study objective was to evaluate the relationship between biosecurity level and antimicrobial use in the French pig industry. Our study has first a technical perspective, including the measurement of antimicrobial use, the description of the biosecurity practices and the quantification of the link between antimicrobial use and biosecurity level. The second perspective is a psychosociological one, which aims to identify farmer perceptions, barriers and motives regarding antimicrobial use.
Our study highlights that weaners are receiving most of the antimicrobial treatments; however, the variability between farms is high. Moreover, the study of the relationship between biosecurity level and antimicrobial use shows that i) the median treatment incidence in reproductive animals and in weaners is significantly lower in the group having the best external biosecurity level and ii) the median treatment incidence in piglets is significantly lower in farms having good internal biosecurity practices. Finally, the psychosociological study shows that although farmers perceive high benefits in using antimicrobials, the perceived needs are relatively low. Farmers evaluate the measures which have a financial impact on their farm as the most influential in reducing antimicrobial use.
To conclude, our study confirms that biosecurity is a useful measure to promote the reduction of antimicrobial use in the pig industry.
Lucie Collineau, Catherine Belloc, Anne Hemonic, Murielle Guiard, Anne Lehebel, Brigitte Badouard, Katharina Staerk. Etude du lien entre niveau de biosécurité et utilisation d’antibiotiques dans les élevages de porcs. 46èmes Journées de la Recherche Porcine.