Reducing antimicrobial use in farm animals: how to support behavioral change of veterinarians and farmers.

David C Speksnijder,Jaap A Wagenaar

doi:10.1093/af/vfy006

Abstract

• Prudent use of antimicrobials in livestock requires the adoption of management and treatment practices which replace or reduce the need for antimicrobials by veterinarians and farmer. • The adoption of these new practices equals behavior changes of these actors. • Changing human behavior can be very difficult, especially when the behaviors of interest are routine behaviors. • The use of social sciences can be of great value in understanding why veterinarians and farmers act in certain ways and how they can be motivated to change antimicrobial use practices.

Highlights

To counteract the globally increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobials should be used prudently, both in humans and in animals
A general principle of prudent antimicrobial use in veterinary medicine is that animals receive antimicrobials appropriate to their clinical needs, and while the efficacy of these antimicrobials for treating animals and humans is sustained (Weese et al, 2013; OIE World Organization for Animal Health, 2016)
This requires that prophylactic and growth promoting antimicrobial use practices should be abandoned and antimicrobial treatments should be diminished by minimizing the incidence of infectious diseases

Summary

Feature Article

Reducing antimicrobial use in farm animals: how to support behavioral change of veterinarians and farmers. Prudent use of antimicrobials in livestock requires the adoption of management and treatment practices which replace or reduce the need for antimicrobials by veterinarians and farmer. The adoption of these new practices equals behavior changes of these actors. Changing human behavior can be very difficult, especially when the behaviors of interest are routine behaviors. The use of social sciences can be of great value in understanding why veterinarians and farmers act in certain ways and how they can be motivated to change antimicrobial use practices

Introduction

Human Behavior

Explaining Behaviors of Farmers and Veterinarians Related to Antimicrobial Use

Normative Beliefs

Putting it in Practice

Conclusion