Changing farmer and veterinarian behaviour around antimicrobial use

Abstract

Slowing the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires reducing antimicrobial use (AMU), which necessitates altering prescribing practices and reducing use in food-producing species ( O'Neill, 2015 ; World Health Organisation, 2018 ). The literature has suggested for many years that we should try a different approach to changing practices on farm ( Chambers et al, 1985 ) and calls for more farmer-led initiatives compared with traditional, passive knowledge transfer that commonly occurs in the veterinary profession ( Escobar et al, 2013 ; Kristensen and Jakobsen, 2011 ; Vaarst et al, 2017 ). When it comes to complex issues such as reducing AMU, a farmer-led approach is well positioned to help farmers and veterinary surgeons change their practices. We propose a farmer-led approach has a key role to play in changing behaviour and helping to solve complex challenges such as AMR.