Abstract
ObjectivesThe use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals has been linked with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial populations, with consequences for animal and public health. This study explored the underpinning drivers, motivators and reasoning behind prescribing decisions made by veterinary surgeons working in the UK pig industry.MethodsA qualitative interview study was conducted with 21 veterinary surgeons purposively selected from all UK pig veterinary surgeons. Thematic analysis was used to analyse transcripts.ResultsEnsuring optimum pig health and welfare was described as a driver for antimicrobial use by many veterinary surgeons and was considered a professional and moral obligation. Veterinary surgeons also exhibited a strong sense of social responsibility over the need to ensure that antimicrobial use was responsible. A close relationship between management practices, health and economics was evident, with improvements in management commonly identified as being potential routes to reduce antimicrobial usage; however, these were not always considered economically viable. The relationship with clients was identified as being a source of professional stress for practitioners due to pressure from farmers requesting antimicrobial prescriptions, and concern over poor compliance of antimicrobial administration by some farmers.ConclusionsThe drivers behind prescribing decisions by veterinary surgeons were complex and diverse. A combination of education, improving communication between veterinary surgeons and farmers, and changes in regulations, in farm management and in consumer/retailer demands may all be needed to ensure that antimicrobial prescribing is optimal and to achieve significant reductions in use.
Highlights
Indiscriminate prescribing practices and the overuse of antimicrobials in food-producing animals have been implicated in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial populations, with consequences for both animal and public health.[1,2]
An interview guide was developed by the authors based on a review of the literature, current issues surrounding antimicrobial use and results from a previous focus group study exploring antimicrobial prescribing behaviours in pig veterinary surgeons and farmers.[25]
This study offers in-depth insights into the complex influences behind antimicrobial prescribing decisions by UK pig veterinary surgeons
Summary
Indiscriminate prescribing practices and the overuse of antimicrobials in food-producing animals have been implicated in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial populations, with consequences for both animal and public health.[1,2] The emergence of resistant infections in animal populations can impact health and productivity.[3]. Antimicrobial use in pigs has been highlighted as an area of particular concern in the UK and Europe with the formation of working groups and research initiatives striving to ensure that use is responsible.[11,12,13,14] Veterinary prescribing practices in the pig sector, such as the use of antimicrobials for disease prophylaxis,[11,15] commonality of the administration of in-feed antimicrobials[11] and relatively high sales of antimicrobial products authorized for use solely in pigs[14] have highlighted them as a priority species in the UK and Europe for gaining a better understanding of prescribing and use.[11,16]
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