Use Of Antibiotics In Animals Research Articles

Efficacy of grape seed hydro-alcoholic extract in the treatment of experimentally Pasteurella multocida infected rabbits.

Pasteurellosis is one of the rabbit's most bacterial severe diseases and leads to considerable financial damages in large production systems worldwide. Antibiotic use in animals may lead to antibiotic residues in animal products, including meat. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the potential role of grape seed extract (GSE) in treating Pasteurella multocida infection in rabbits. For this purpose, 45 weaned male New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups; control, infected and infected‐GSE treated. Experimental P. multocida infection in rabbits induced a remarkable decrease in body weight, body weight gain, as well as microcytic hypochromic anaemia, leucocytosis, neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia. Also, a significant increase in the hepatic and renal injury biomarkers, in interleukin‐6, total globulin, α, β and γ globulins, as well as a marked reduction in total protein and albumin, were recorded in the P. multocida‐infected rabbits. Treatment of infected rabbits with GSE modulated most of these altered parameters. This study endorses the administration of GSE for the treatment of Pasteurellosis in rabbits. Further studies are required to identify the possible additional effects, appropriate doses and duration of the GSE therapy in rabbits Pasteurellosis.

The use of probiotics in animal feeding for safe production and as potential alternatives to antibiotics.

Although the production of safe food for human consumption is the primary purpose for animal rearing, the environment and well-being of the animals must also be taken into consideration. Based on microbiological point of view, the production of healthy food from animals involves considering foodborne pathogens, on the one hand and on the other hand, the methods used to fight against germs during breeding. The conventional method to control or prevent bacterial infections in farming is the use antibiotics. However, the banning of these compounds as growth promoters caused many changes in animal breeding and their use has since been limited to the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. In this function, their importance no longer needs to be demonstrated, but unfortunately, their excessive and abusive use have led to a double problem which can have harmful consequences on consumer health: Resistance to antibiotics and the presence of antibiotic residues in food. The use of probiotics appears to be a suitable alternative to overcome these problems because of their ability to modulate the immune system and intestinal microflora, and further considering their antagonistic role against certain pathogenic bacteria and their ability to play the role of growth factor (sometimes associated with prebiotics) when used as feed additives. This review aims to highlight some of the negative effects of the use of antibiotics in animal rearing as well as emphasize the current knowledge on the use of probiotics as a feed additive, their influence on animal production and their potential utility as an alternative to conventional antibiotics, particularly in poultry, pig, and fish farming.

Non-Clinical Factors Determining the Prescription of Antibiotics by Veterinarians: A Systematic Review.

The misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and plants is related to the spread of resistant antibiotic strains among humans and animals. In this paper, we carry out a bibliographic search of Medline, Web of Knowledge, and Cab s with the main objective of ascertaining the available evidence on non-clinical factors and attitudes that could influence the prescription of antibiotics by veterinarians. A total of 34 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Whereas, veterinary health professionals’ prescribing habits did not appear to be influenced by their socio-demographic characteristics, they were influenced by different attitudes, such as fear (identified in 19 out of 34 studies), self-confidence (19/34), business factors (19/34), and by complacency (16/34). Certain owner-related factors, such as lack of awareness (16/34) and demand for antibiotics (12/34), were also important, as were concurrent factors, ranging from a lack of appropriate regulations (10/34) to the expense and delays involved in performing culture and sensitivity tests (10/34) and inadequate farm hygiene (8/34). Our results appear to indicate that the non-clinical factors are potentially modifiable. This may be useful for designing interventions targeted at improving antibiotic use in animals, as part of an overall strategy to reduce the global spread of multi-resistant strains.

Successful Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals-A Retrospective Country Case Study of Sweden.

The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have resulted in an alarmingly high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human and animal bacteria. European monitoring programmes show that AMR occurrence in food animals is lower in Sweden than in most other EU Member States and that the use of antibiotics for animals is among the lowest in Europe. In this retrospective country case study, we analysed published documents to identify factors contributing to this favourable situation. A fundamental factor identified was early insight into and sustained awareness of the risks of AMR and the need for the prudent use of antibiotics. Early and continuous access to data on antibiotic use and AMR made it possible to focus activities on areas of concern. Another factor identified was the long-term control and eradication of infectious animal diseases, including coordinated activities against endemic diseases, which reduced the need to use antibiotics. Structures and strategies for that purpose established at the national level have since proven useful in counteracting AMR as an integral part of disease prevention and control, guided by a “prevention is better than cure” approach. A third factor identified was consensus among stakeholders on the need to address AMR and their cooperation in the design and implementation of measures.

Evaluation of an OPEN Stewardship generated feedback intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing among primary care veterinarians in Ontario, Canada and Israel: protocol for evaluating usability and an interrupted time-series analysis

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) impacts the health and well-being of animals, affects animal owners both socially and economically, and contributes to AMR at the human and environmental interface. The overuse and/or...

Antimicrobial Peptides in Farm Animals: An Updated Review on Its Diversity, Function, Modes of Action and Therapeutic Prospects.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the arsenals of the innate host defense system, exhibiting evolutionarily conserved characteristics that are present in practically all forms of life. Recent years have witnessed the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria compounded with a slow discovery rate for new antibiotics that have necessitated scientific efforts to search for alternatives to antibiotics. Research on the identification of AMPs has generated very encouraging evidence that they curb infectious pathologies and are also useful as novel biologics to function as immunotherapeutic agents. Being innate, they exhibit the least cytotoxicity to the host and exerts a wide spectrum of biological activity including low resistance among microbes and increased wound healing actions. Notably, in veterinary science, the constant practice of massive doses of antibiotics with inappropriate withdrawal programs led to a high risk of livestock-associated antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, the world faces tremendous pressure for designing and devising strategies to mitigate the use of antibiotics in animals and keep it safe for posterity. In this review, we illustrate the diversity of farm animal-specific AMPs, and their biochemical foundations, mode of action, and prospective application in clinics. Subsequently, we present the data for their systematic classification under the major and minor groups, antipathogenic action, and allied bioactivities in the host. Finally, we address the limitations of their clinical implementation and envision areas for further advancement.

Escherichia coli as Commensal and Pathogenic Bacteria Among Food-Producing Animals: Health Implications of Extended Spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) Production.

Simple SummaryThis revision is about the problem of Escherichia coli as a commensal and pathogenic bacterium among food-producing animals and health implications. Escherichia coli may play an important ecological role and can be used as a bioindicator of antimicrobial resistance. All animal species used for food production, as well as humans, carry E. coli in their intestinal tract; plus, the genetic flexibility and adaptability of this bacteria to constantly changing environments allows it to acquire a great number of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. The majority of E. coli strains are commensals inhabiting the intestinal tract of humans and warm-blooded animals and rarely causes diseases. However, E. coli also remains as one of the most frequent causes of several common bacterial infections in humans and animals. All over the word, antibiotic resistance is commonly detected among commensal bacteria from food-producing animals, raising important questions on the potential impact of antibiotic use in animals and the possible transmission of these resistant bacteria to humans through the food chain. The use, in food-producing animals, of antibiotics that are critically important in human medicine has been implicated in the emergence of new forms of resistant bacteria, including new strains of multidrug-resistant foodborne bacteria, such as extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli.Escherichia coli are facultative, anaerobic Gram-negative rods with many facets. Within resistant bacterial populations, they play an important ecological role and can be used as a bioindicator of antimicrobial resistance. All animal species used for food production, as well as humans, carry E. coli in their intestinal tracts; plus, the genetic flexibility and adaptability of this bacteria to constantly changing environments allows it to acquire a great number of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. Thus, the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in these commensal bacteria (or others, such as enterococci) can be a good indicator for the selective pressure caused by the use of antimicrobial agents, providing an early warning of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in pathogens. As many as 90% of E. coli strains are commensals inhabiting the intestinal tracts of humans and warm-blooded animals. As a commensal, it lives in a mutually beneficial association with its hosts and rarely causes diseases. However, E. coli also remains as one of the most frequent causes of several common bacterial infections in humans and animals. In humans, it is the prominent cause of enteritis, community- and hospital-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI), septicemia, postsurgical peritonitis, and other clinical infections, such as neonatal meningitis, while, in farm animals, it is more prominently associated with diarrhea. On a global scale, E. coli can be considered the most important human pathogen, causing severe infection along with other major bacterial foodborne agents, such as Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter. Thus, the importance of resistance in E. coli, typically considered a benign commensal, should not be underestimated.

Ozonetherapy as a new antimicrobic strategy

Development of antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms is a dangerous phenomenon, actively progressing every year. The uncontrolled use of antibiotics for animals, accumulation in products of animal origin ultimately poses a danger to human health. That is why a decrease in the use of antibiotics and searching alternatives of antibiotic is acute and relevant issues. Therefore, the aim of our research was to study the antimicrobial properties of ozone in relation to pathogens of purulent infection and to show the possibility of using ozone therapy as a potential method of antimicrobial therapy for animals. The materials for determining antimicrobial effect of ozone was 12 samples of purulent exudate in an amount of 2 ml, taken from dogs with purulent wounds before and after sanitation by ozonized 0.87% NaCl solution. Complexity course of wound process with purulent inflammation largely depends on from degree of microbial contamination of the wound and species composition of microorganisms. Therefore, an important aspect in our research was the study of the antimicrobial properties of ozone on its action of purulent exudate «in vitro» and «in vivo» and the determination of the bactericidal effect on microorganisms. The most stable and informative indicator of assessing nature of purulent-inflammatory process is the determination of total number of microorganisms in 1 ml of discharge from a purulent wound. The total microbial number was determined by the method of serial dilutions according to Pasteur. Serial ten-fold dilutions from 10-1 to 10-9 were prepared from purulent exudate in test tubes with sterile MPB (9 ml each). Species composition of microorganisms was determined by cultural and biochemical properties of cultivated microbial colonies, followed microscopy of smears from pure cultures stained using method of Gram. Samples of purulent exudate were subjected to microbiological examination before treatment, and after 30 minutes of washing by ozonized isotonic solution NaCl (ozone concentration of 7 mg/ml). A microbiological study of purulent exudate was also carried out, pre-treated with ozone at a concentration of 7 mg/ml «in vitro» in a test tube in an amount of 2 ml by passing it through exudate (sparging) at a flow rate of 0.5 L/min and a processing time of 10 min. Samples were examined immediately after sampling and sparging. "Microbial landscapes" of purulent wounds were presented by associations of Staph. aureus, Str. faecalis, E. coli. Microbial seeding of purulent exudate for treatment ranged from 6.6 • 10-10 to 3.7 • 10-8 CFU/ml, however, after 10 min of bubbling «in vitro» at an ozone concentration of 7 mg/ml, the degree of microbial seeding of samples did not exceed 10-4 CFU/ml and ranged from 3.1 • 10-4 to 2.3• 10-3 CFU/ml. As shown by the results of microbiological studies, the growth of microorganisms on a nutrient medium in bacteriological plates with purulent exudate samples treated with ozone with concentration of 7 mg/ml was already absent at 10-5 degrees of dilution, which indicates the pronounced antimicrobial properties of ozone. The study «in vivo»also indicates that even after a single use of an ozonized isotonic NaCl solution at an ozone concentration of 7 mg/ml, it completely prevents the growth of Staph. aureus, Str. faecalis, E. coli. and causes 100% death mentioned associations of microorganisms. The results of microbiological studies are confirmed by clinical data. So, on the third day of treatment, the animals in the lesion zone had a small amount of wound exudate, and the microbial number of the latter was 1.4 • 10-4 − 3.1 • 10-³ CFU/ml, below the critical level of contamination and in most cases not leads to the progression of a purulent-inflammatory process. Ozone destroys all types of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. At the same time, ozone at a concentration of 7 mg/ ml does not have an irritating effect on body tissues, therefore, ozone therapy can be considered as an additional or alternative therapy of bacterial infection. Key words: ozone, ozonetherapy, purulent wounds, antibiotic resistance.

The ultrastructural damage caused by Eugenia zeyheri and Syzygium legatii acetone leaf extracts on pathogenic Escherichia coli

BackgroundAntibiotics are commonly added to livestock feeds in sub-therapeutic doses as growth promoters and for prophylaxis against pathogenic microbes, especially those implicated in diarrhoea. While this practice has improved livestock production, it is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance in microbes affecting livestock and humans. This has led to the banning of prophylactic antibiotic use in animals in many countries. To compensate for this, alternatives have been sought from natural sources such as plants. While many studies have reported the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants with potential for use as phytogenic/botanical feed additives, little information exists on their mode of action. This study is based on our earlier work and describes ultrastructural damage induced by acetone crude leaf extracts of Syzygium legatii and Eugenia zeyheri (Myrtaceae) active against diarrhoeagenic E. coli of swine origin using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescent microscopy (FM). Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to investigate the chemical composition of plant extracts.ResultsThe extracts damaged the internal and external anatomy of the cytoplasmic membrane and inner structure at a concentration of 0.04 mg/mL. Extracts also led to an increased influx of propidium iodide into treated bacterial cells suggesting compromised cellular integrity and cellular damage. Non-polar compounds such as α-amyrin, friedelan-3-one, lupeol, and β-sitosterol were abundant in the extracts.ConclusionsThe extracts of S. legatii and E. zeyheri caused ultrastructural damage to E. coli cells characterized by altered external and internal morphology. These observations may assist in elucidating the mode of action of the extracts.

24.H. Round table: AMR and cancer: cross-cutting priorities for an integrated public health and primary care approach

Abstract Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a threat to global public health, development and sustainability necessitating prompt action. Antimicrobial agents are essential to treat humans and animals, but their irrational use has caused rapid AMR growth. Antibiotics are prescribed as 'prevention' for lack of diagnostics (Dx), particularly Point-of-Care Testing tools (PoCTs) for timely and reliable identification of a bacterial versus a viral infection. Given the lack of inexpensive readily available PoCTs, current care remains inefficient, particularly in terms of integrating public health and primary care (PC). PC represents a natural setting for exchanges with PTs, survivors and healthy individuals alike, and an optimal setting to implement interventions such as behavioural change for rational antibiotic use and vaccination. Considering the rise in both cancer incidence and AMR, health systems are seriously threatened, the impact extending well beyond the health sector. Cancer PTs represent the highest burden, with AMR compromising the effectiveness of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The most common combination treatments result in immunosuppression exposing PTs to infections. This means PTs often develop infections, frequently recurrent, requiring antibiotic treatment; evidence suggests even key diagnostic procedures, e.g. prostate biopsy, are compromised; the risk of infection necessitates prophylactic treatment and/or resulting iatrogenic infections become difficult to manage. Also, modern oncological therapies rely on immunotherapy to an increasingly more important level. Immunotherapy and AMR interactions and interrelationships ought to be further explored. The effect of AMR on the lives of cancer PTs and carers, along with its impact on health systems is far from being well understood, with commonalities and topic interdependence largely absent from national cancer plans. An in-depth examination of cancer PTs across different settings and countries is needed to better understand which are the most relevant actions and in which settings to implement them. Similarly, the relevance of cancer plans, roadmaps and national efforts, ought to be examined in the context of AMR, incl. the 'One-Health' approach. The panel will discuss all above mentioned issues, but also attempt to highlight other key considerations that ought to be integrated in national cancer plans, incl. R&D incentives, curbing the use of antibiotics in animals and of their presence in the environment through cross-sectoral priority setting. The principal objectives of the workshop are to a. examine AMR implications for cancer PTs in a comprehensive manner encompassing PC, and b. inform on the next steps for interdisciplinary, cross-border and cross-sectoral collaboration. Following five 12-min presentations, the Panel and the Chairs will enter a 30-min discussion. The audience will be able to respond to key propositions and ask questions through an interactive element. Key messages Prioritise the development of Dx/PoTCs, PC and public health integration, and the assessment interventions for populations at risk. Involve PC practitioners and patients to rationalise use and raise awareness, invest in interprofessional education, and engage in interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral dialogue.

What are the barriers to implementing national antimicrobial resistance action plans? A novel mixed-methods policy analysis in Pakistan

Despite political commitment to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), countries are facing challenges to implementing policies to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics. Critical factors to the success of policy implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), such as capacity for enforcement, contestation by influential stakeholders and financial interests, have been insufficiently considered. Using Pakistan as a case study representing a populous country with extremely high antibiotic usage, we identified 195 actors who affect policies on antibiotic use in humans and animals through a snowballing process and interviewed 48 of these who were nominated as most influential. We used a novel card game-based methodology to investigate policy actors' support for implementation of different regulatory approaches addressing actions of frontline healthcare providers and antibiotic producers across the One Health spectrum. We found that there was only widespread support for implementing hard regulations (prohibiting certain actions) against antibiotic suppliers with little power-such as unqualified/informal healthcare providers and animal feed producers-but not to target more powerful groups such as doctors, farmers and pharmaceutical companies. Policy actors had limited knowledge to develop implementation plans to address inappropriate use of antibiotics in animals, even though this was recognized as a critical driver of AMR. Our results indicate that local political and economic dynamics may be more salient to policy actors influencing implementation of AMR national action plans than solutions presented in global guidelines that rely on implementation of hard regulations. This highlights a disconnect between AMR action plans and the local contexts where implementation takes place. Thus if the global strategies to tackle AMR are to become implementable policies in LMIC, they will need greater appreciation of the power dynamics and systemic constraints that relate to many of the strategies proposed.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Veterinarians Towards Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship in Nigeria.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern and the inappropriate use of antibiotics in animals and humans is considered a contributing factor. A cross-sectional survey to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of veterinarians regarding AMR and antimicrobial stewardship was conducted in Nigeria. A total of 241 respondents completed an online survey. Only 21% of respondents correctly defined the term antimicrobial stewardship and 59.8% were unaware of the guidelines provided by the Nigeria AMR National Action Plan. Over half (51%) of the respondents indicated that prophylactic antibiotic use was appropriate when farm biosecurity was poor. Only 20% of the respondents conducted antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) frequently, and the unavailability of veterinary laboratory services (82%) and the owner’s inability to pay (72%) were reported as key barriers to conducting AST. The study findings suggest strategies focusing on the following areas may be useful in improving appropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial stewardship among veterinarians in Nigeria: increased awareness of responsible antimicrobial use among practicing and newly graduated veterinarians, increased dissemination of regularly updated antibiotic use guidelines, increased understanding of the role of good biosecurity and vaccination practices in disease prevention, and increased provision of laboratory services and AST at affordable costs.

Review Article. Effects of Antibiotic residues in animal products on human health and environments

Veterinary pharmaceutical products are among the most important components of animal feed production, especially antibiotics. the main use of antibiotics in animals is to treat and prevent diseases, and to promote growth. Antibiotic use in animals can cause residues of antibiotics in foods such as meat., eggs , and milk. These residues can cause numerous side effects such as human transmission of antibiotic resistant bacteria, pathological immunological effects, allergies, parasitic mutations, nephropathy (gentamicin), hepatotoxicity, reproductive disorders, toxicity to the bone marrow (chloramphenicol), and even carcinogenic , sulfametazine and oxytetracycline.
 This analysis offers information important to veterinarians, livestock produces and public safety on the regulation of drug residues in animal products.

An ethical overview of animal welfare and the use of antibiotics

Antibiotic use in livestock has been indicted for playing a key role in the emerging public health calamity of antibiotic resistance in human beings. While antibiotics are vital medical tools that help to fight bacterial infections, scientific opinion proposes that if animal farmers continue to use them sub-therapeutically in animal feeds, they will pose a severe threat to human health as well as animals. This paper object to the use of antibiotics in animal feeds, not only because it affects human health, but insofar as it also promotes or makes possible farming practices that significantly harm animals, and has no independent value aside from doing so. This paper argues that it is possible to stop the spread of disease through proper sanitation and effective cleaning of farms while providing animals with environments that fit their needs and interests. Furthermore, improvements in production practices that reflect good animal welfare is something that we owe to animals, as they are beings with interests and needs that ought to be respected and protected in the same way that our interests and needs ought to be.

Assessment of Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance

Simple SummaryAntibiotic resistance is a global problem that threatens human and animal health and has increased in recent years. Although many factors are responsible for the development of resistance, antibiotics used in animals for preventive, therapeutic, and other purposes play a major role. Conscious and rational antibiotic use in animals will contribute to decreases in resistance. It is therefore important to determine knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of farmers working in the livestock sector with regard to antibiotic knowledge, use, and resistance in order to develop communication strategies accordingly. The aim of this study was to measure the knowledge of livestock farmers about antibiotics by conducting a questionnaire survey. As a result of the survey, it was found that knowledge of the participants on antibiotics and resistance was very low. It was concluded that periodic training programs can be employed to overcome this problem and raise awareness among farmers.The aim of this study was to determine knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of farmers dealing with animal husbandry in eastern Turkey with regard to antibiotic knowledge, use, and resistance. A face to face questionnaire survey, consisting of five sections with 42 questions in total, was applied to 360 farmers located in the region. The questions in the first and fifth sections were closed-ended while those in other sections were prepared using the Likert scale. It was determined that knowledge of the farmers about antibiotic use, duration, storage, and resistance was well below desired levels. This was particularly remarkable in the participants with a low level of education, living in rural areas, and those at 48 years of age or over. In contrast, younger and highly educated participants living in urban areas were more knowledgeable about antibiotic use and they were well aware of the fact that resistance might pose a great risk for public health. Providing appropriate antibiotic use in animals through systematic training of livestock farmers is crucial in tackling the resistance problem.

Antibiotic use in animals and humans in Australia.

Antibiotic use in animals and humans in Australia.

Spatial and seasonal variations of antibiotics in river waters in the Haihe River Catchment in China and ecotoxicological risk assessment

Concentrations of widely used antibiotics were predicted to be the highest in the Haihe River Catchment across China previously, potentially resulting in high ecotoxicological risks in this region. As a result of growing usage and regulation of antibiotic use in animals, the pattern of use may have altered temporally for different antibiotics. It is important to monitor the occurrence of antibiotics within different categories for understanding their mass loading to the catchment and the potential ecotoxicological risks involved. This study investigated the seasonal occurrence and spatial variation of 15 antibiotics in the Haihe River Catchment during 2016–2017. The investigated compounds included veterinary antibiotics, human-use antibiotics, and those intended for both human and animal use. Measurements reported from previous studies were compared with the results of this study and indicated that the use of veterinary antibiotics is probably increasing around the catchment. The ∑antibiotics concentration (i.e. the summed concentration of the 15 target antibiotics) ranged from 414 to 1951 ng/L, with an average of 821 ng/L. Discharges from wastewater treatment plants were the main sources of these compounds. The mass loading of antibiotics to the river waters was higher during wet seasons than during dry seasons. The mass fluxes of the antibiotics continuously increased towards the lower reaches of the rivers. The total annual input of the antibiotics from the Haihe River and Yongdingxin River into the Bohai Bay was 5008 kg/yr. Ofloxacin, trimethoprim, leucomycin, anhydro erythromycin and florfenicol were the predominant antibiotics, whilst amoxicillin, anhydro erythromycin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin and enrofloxacin may pose high ecotoxicological risks to the investigated aquatic ecosystem. Several antibiotics selected in this study were reported for the first time in this catchment. This study provides important information for chemical management and indicates that further monitoring is needed on the more harmful and veterinary antibiotics in the catchment.

Urgent action on antimicrobial resistance

Urgent action on antimicrobial resistance

Understanding policy dilemmas around antibiotic use in food animals & offering potential solutions.

The looming concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has prompted the government of many countries of the world to act upon and come up with the guidelines, comprehensive recommendations and policies concerning prudent use of antibiotics and containment of AMR. However, such initiatives from countries with high incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food animals are still in infancy. This review highlights the existing global policies on antibiotics use in food animals along with details of the various Indian policies and guidelines. In India, in spite of availability of integrated policies for livestock, poultry and aquaculture sector, uniform regulations with coordinated initiative are needed to formulate strict policies regarding antimicrobial use both in humans and animals. In an attempt to create effective framework to tackle the AMR, the Indian Council of Medical Research initiated a series of dialogues with various stakeholders and suggested various action points for urgent implementation. This review summarizes the recommendations made during the various consultations. The overarching aim of this review is to clearly delineate the action points which need to be carried out urgently to regulate the antibiotic use in animals.

Beneficial effects of probiotic and phytobiotic as growth promoter alternative to antibiotic for safe broiler production.

Objectives:Drug residues in poultry products could lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria as in any living animal and human alike. Extensive use of antibiotics in animals to promote growth rate, increase feed efficiency, and for prevention of intestinal infections has led to the development of resistant bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biological supplementation of probiotic, phytobiotic, and their combination over antibiotic on growth performance, microbial load, and hematological parameters in Broiler. Materials and methods:Sixty-five broiler chicken were divided into five groups (12 birds in each group), namely, group A (basal diet), group B (antibiotic, Renamycin 100®), group C (phytobiotic, Galibiotic®), group D (probiotic, Bio-Top®), and group E (combination, Galibiotic®+Galibiotic®) and five were sacrificed for baseline data on day 0. Results:Average final live weight gain was highest in group D (probiotic) than other groups. The feed conversion ratio was highest in group A and lowest in the probiotic group (group C). Blood samples were collected on 14th and 28th day for hematological studies. The mean hematology values regarding the total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate differed significantly (p < 0.05) among groups. The pH of all the treatment groups was significantly decreased compared to the control group (p < 0.05) where group C was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than all other groups. Highest total viable cell count was observed in control (group A) and total coliform count in phytobiotic (group C) was significantly lower than in other treatment groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion:It may conclude that biological supplements have a significant positive impact on growth performance, hematological parameters, and gut microbial load in broiler chicken of which the probiotic showing the best effects. Supplementation of probiotic in feed could be one of the best candidates as an alternative to antibiotics as growth promoter for safe broiler production.