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 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.
Highlights
The definition of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) proposed by the Global ActionPlan [1] refers to the resistance acquired by several microorganisms to antimicrobials
This concept covers a range of drugs; the focus of the present study is on antibiotics, due to the high level of use and importance that these drugs have in the swine production chain [2,3]
The antibiotic use (AMU)/AMR problem is often considered a health problem; yet, building evidence indicates that AMR is an evolutionary challenge accelerated by social, cultural and economic factors that lead to the misuse, overuse and abuse of these life-saving medicines [4]
Summary
Plan [1] refers to the resistance acquired by several microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites) to antimicrobials. This concept covers a range of drugs; the focus of the present study is on antibiotics, due to the high level of use and importance that these drugs have in the swine production chain [2,3]. AMR transmission can occur through direct contact with contaminated people, animals and food, or through the environment, via animal waste containing resistant bacteria that may contaminate soil and water [3,6,8]. Antibiotic residues can induce the selection of resistant bacteria in the environment. Irrigation water and manure used for fertilization may contain residues of antibiotics that will be absorbed by the soil and plants [11]
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