Veterinary Antimicrobial Use Research Articles

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Escherichia coli in the Environment, Cow Dung, and Milk of Selangor Dairy Farms.

The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to global public health urgently needs attention. Misuse of antimicrobials in sectors such as dairy farming has led to the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria and genes. This study investigated AMR patterns and profiles of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from various sources, including soil, effluent, cow dung, and milk. A total of 192 samples were collected, comprising environmental samples (soil and effluent), cow dung samples, and milk samples from eight dairy farms in Selangor, Malaysia. The spread plate method was employed to isolate E. coli, and all the isolates were subjected to Gram staining to identify Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria. The Vitek® 2 system was used for E. coli identification and susceptibility testing. The prevalence of E. coli identified in the eight farms was 66.1%. A total of 360 E. coli isolates were successfully isolated, and 19.7% of the isolates presented AMR with ampicillin exhibiting the highest resistance (18.3%), followed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (8.9%). Additionally, 8.9% of them were multidrug resistant, which could be divided into 16 patterns. For the extended spectrum beta-lactamase screening, nine isolates were positive. This finding emphasizes the rise in resistant isolates in the growing dairy industry and underscores the urgency of addressing the potential reservoir of AMR. Therefore, essential measures such as continuous surveillance and effective antimicrobial stewardship programs are crucial for regulating veterinary antimicrobial use. Research on the mechanisms driving the development and dissemination of AMR is imperative for addressing One Health concerns.

Epidemic trend of Salmonella from swines and broilers in China from 2014 to 2023 and genetic evolution analysis of ESBLs-producing strains.

In recent years, the epidemic trend and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella from swines and broilers, especially the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBLs)-producing Salmonella, pose a serious threat to human and animal health. In this study, we employed serotype identification, drug sensitivity testing, detection of ESBL-producing strains, and whole genome sequencing to analyze the epidemiological trends and drug resistance of Salmonella isolates from swines and broilers, as well as the genetic evolutionary relationships of ESBL-producing strains in China from 2014 to 2023. The results showed that the most prevalent serotypes of Salmonella from swines and broilers in China in recent 10 years were S. Typhimurium (133/381, 34.91%) and S. Enteritidis (156/416, 37.50%), respectively. Overall, 80.58% strains from swines and 70.67% strains from broilers were multidrug resistant. The multidrug resistance rate (MDR) showed a downward trend. The types of drugs exhibiting an increasing trend in resistance rates among Salmonella from broilers (7) were significantly greater than those from swines (2). The detection rates of ESBLs-producing Salmonella from swines and broilers were 9.45 and 29.58%, respectively, with the former showing a downward trend and the latter showing an upward trend. The drug resistance phenotype of Salmonella produced in ESBLs from swines and broilers is consistent with the results of the resistance genes carried. Whole genome sequencing analysis revealed that 36 swine-derived ESBL-producing Salmonella strains contained 6 ST-types and 13 cgST-types, among which ST34 and ST17 were dominant ST-types; a total of 35 resistance genes across 11 classes, blaCTX-M-14, blaTEM-1B, and blaCTX-M-65 were the predominant subtypes of β-lactam resistance genes. 126 broiler-derived ESBL-producing Salmonella strains included 19 ST-types and 37 cgST-types, with ST17 and ST198 as the dominant ST-types; a total of 52 resistance genes belonging to 12 classes, blaCTX-M-55, blaCTX-M-65, blaTEM-1B, and blaOXA-1 identified as the major subtypes of β-lactam resistance genes. This suggests that we should thoroughly implement management policies aimed at reducing the use of veterinary antimicrobials. Additionally, we should enhance research on traceability technology and the abatement of resistance genes, thereby providing support for the effective prevention and control of the spread of Salmonella and its drug resistance.

Evaluation of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Veterinary Professionals and Senior Animal Health Students in Central Gondar Zone, Gondar, Ethiopia: Antimicrobial Use and Resistance Perspectives.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a worldwide challenge to the well-being of animals and humans. The emergence of AMR is largely attributed to the improper utilization and overuse of antimicrobials. In order to combat this issue and promote responsible antimicrobial use (AMU), it is imperative for veterinary professionals and graduating students to possess extensive knowledge, maintain positive attitudes, and adhere to good practices regarding AMU and AMR. To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) of veterinary professionals and senior animal health students' towards veterinary AMU and AMR. A cross-sectional study design was conducted on purposefully selected 200 participants (60 of them were veterinary professionals from the districts and towns, and the remaining 140 were senior animal health university students). A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect the necessary data, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. The study revealed that, overall, study participants' KAP were not satisfactory. From veterinary professionals, about 56.7% of respondents scored average knowledge, whereas 66.7% and 61.66% of them had negative attitudes and poor practices, respectively, on AMU and AMR. The study found that 56% of the participants' think the previous knowledge they acquired regarding AMU and AMR was not sufficient, and the internet was used as a source of drug information by the majority of participants. The majority (72%) of them were not taking special training on AMU and AMR. Regarding senior animal health students, this study indicated that 52% and 69.2% of the respondents had poor knowledge and a negative attitude, respectively, towards AMU and AMR. Overall, veterinary professionals in the central Gondar zone have average knowledge, a negative attitude and poor practices. Poor knowledge and a negative attitude were also observed among senior animal health students towards AMU and AMR. Therefore, to fill the observed gaps, activities that enhance the skills of veterinary professionals and students should be implemented. Ingreted measures with animicrobial stewardship program and Nationwide studies are highly suggested to evaluate the overall status of veterinary professionals towards AMU and AMR.

ENOVAT: the European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment

The global antimicrobial resistance crisis has been the driver of several international strategies on antimicrobial stewardship. For their implementation at the field level, the veterinary sector encounters several specific challenges and in particular: (i) a shortage of experts in key disciplines related to antimicrobial stewardship, (ii) a lack of evidence-based antimicrobial treatment guidelines, and (iii) inferior diagnostic tests available compared to human medicine. The present white paper describes how the COST Action ENOVAT (the European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment, CA18217), comprising 332 persons from 51 countries, worked towards solutions to these challenges. Initially, surveys were conducted to explore the present state in Europe in terms of existing antimicrobial use guidelines and microbiology practices performed. Concurrently, various research activities were launched to optimize diagnostics, including development of epidemiological cut-offs, clinical breakpoints and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry interpretive criteria. Also, guidelines drafting groups working towards evidence-based antimicrobial treatment guidelines for six conditions in food-producing and companion animals were established. The processes and outcomes, also in terms of capacity building, are summarized in this white paper where emphasis is placed on sustainability of the activities. Although several ENOVAT initiatives and spin-off projects will continue beyond the Action, we recommend that a new European veterinary research agenda is launched focusing on research and funding leading to long-term impacts on veterinary antimicrobial use.

The fate of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in Large-Scale chicken farm Environments: Preliminary view of the performance of National veterinary Antimicrobial use reduction Action in Guangdong, China

The fate of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in Large-Scale chicken farm Environments: Preliminary view of the performance of National veterinary Antimicrobial use reduction Action in Guangdong, China

ENOVAT: the European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment.

The global antimicrobial resistance crisis has been the driver of several international strategies on antimicrobial stewardship. For their implementation on field level, the veterinary sector encounters several specific challenges and in particular: (i) a shortage of experts in key disciplines related to antimicrobial stewardship, (ii) a lack of evidence-based antimicrobial treatment guidelines, and (iii) inferior diagnostic tests available compared to human medicine. The present white paper describes how the COST Action ENOVAT (the European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment, CA18217), comprising 332 persons from 51 countries, worked towards solutions to these challenges. Initially, surveys were conducted to explore the present state in Europe in terms of existing antimicrobial use guidelines and microbiology practices performed. Concurrently, various research activities were launched to optimize diagnostics, including development of epidemiological cut-offs, clinical breakpoints and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry interpretive criteria. Also, guidelines drafting groups working towards evidence-based antimicrobial treatment guidelines for six conditions in food-producing and companion animals were established. The processes and outcomes, also in terms of capacity building, are summarized in this white paper where emphasis is placed on sustainability of the activities. Although several ENOVAT initiatives and spin-off projects will continue beyond the Action, we recommend that a new European veterinary research agenda is launched focusing on research and funding leading to long-term impacts on veterinary antimicrobial use.

Risk Factor Analysis for Occurrence of Linezolid-Resistant Bacteria in the Digestive and Respiratory Tract of Food-Producing Animals in Belgium: A Pilot Study.

Linezolid is a critically important antimicrobial used in human medicine. While linezolid is not licensed for food-producing animals, the veterinary use of other antimicrobials, such as phenicols (e.g., florfenicol), could cross/co-select for linezolid-resistant (LR) bacteria. Such LR strains pose a great concern for public health due to their potential transfer between animals and humans. This study explored possible associations between epidemiological risk factors, including phenicol use, and the occurrence of LR bacteria, such as enterococci and staphylococci, in poultry, pigs, and veal calves in Belgium. Florfenicol use significantly increased the likelihood of harboring LR bacteria in veal calves, sows, and fattening pigs, particularly for the digestive tract (odds ratio (OR): [3.19-5.29]) and the respiratory tract (OR: [6.11-9.09]). LR strains from feces from fattening pigs were significantly associated with production type (OR: [3.31-44.14]) and the presence of other animal species (OR: 0.41). The occurrence of LR strains in the respiratory tract from sows was also significantly associated with using antimicrobials other than florfenicol (OR: 10.07) and purchasing animals (OR: 7.28). Our study highlights the potential risks of using certain veterinary antimicrobials, such as florfenicol, in food-producing animals and emphasizes the need for responsible antimicrobial use to safeguard both animal and public health.

Antimicrobial veterinary drug sale pattern incorrelation with critically important antimicrobials for human use: A five-year studyin Montenegro.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat in veterinary medicine due to the excessive and inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents, compromising the effectiveness of these drugs. To combat AMR, the collection of data on the consumption of antibiotics is paramount, as there is a well-established connection between antibiotic use and AMR in both humans and food-producing animals. Hence, the current study aimed to generate measurable data concerning the sales patterns of antimicrobial drugs used in animal treatment in Montenegro over a five-year period (from 2017 to 2021). Furthermore, the study aimed to compare these sales figures with the overall sales of antimicrobial veterinary medicine products (AMVMPs) during the same period, with particular emphasis on the utilization of critically important antimicrobials (CIAs) for human use. Data on AMVMPs consumption from 2017 to 2021 were expressed in euros and were sourced from the Institute for Medicines and Medical Devices of Montenegro (CInMED) annual reports, complying with the regulatory framework of the Law on Medicines in this country. Research results indicate that the sales of AMVMPs increased from 2017 to peak in 2019, followedby a stable decline of 21.79% in 2021. However, the portion of selected CIAs AMVMPs in total sales experienced a minor decline from 2017 to 2019, followed by a noticeable 6.11% increase from 2019 to 2021. In order to address AMR challenges, these findings emphasize the importance of enhancing surveillance and monitoring of veterinary antimicrobial use, as well as CIAs for human use.

Identification, Typing, and Drug Resistance Analysis of Escherichia coli in Two Different Types of Broiler Farms in Hebei Province.

Hebei Province is an important area for breeding broiler chickens in China, but the antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) are still unclear. A total of 180 cloacal samples from broiler farms in Hebei Province were collected and used for the isolation and identification of E. coli. The isolates were subjected to resistance phenotyping, resistance profiling, and genotyping, and some multiresistant strains were subjected to multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The results showed that 175 strains were isolated. Among both types of broiler farms, the ampicillin resistance rate was the highest, and the meropenem resistance rate was the lowest. Serious multiresistance was present in both types of broiler farms. Thirty strains of multidrug-resistant E. coli were typed by MLST to obtain a total of 18 ST types, with ST10 being the most prevalent. This study was to simply analyze the antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of E. coli in broiler chickens in Hebei Province after the implementation of the pilot work program of action to reduce the use of veterinary antimicrobials in standard farms (SFs) and nonstandard farms (NSFs). This study will provide a research basis and data support for the prevention and control of E. coli in Hebei.

Effectiveness of Information Acquisition via the Internet in Standardizing the Use of Antimicrobials by Hog Farmers: Insights from China

Antimicrobial residues and resistance caused by farmers’ overuse of veterinary antimicrobials have seriously threatened food safety, the ecological environment, and public health. With the popularization of the Internet in rural areas, especially in developing countries, the constraints of obtaining agricultural technical information provided by governments or organizations are greatly eased, farmers’ knowledge and skills are significantly improved, and the agricultural standardized production system is effectively constructed. However, there is still a research gap on whether information acquisition via the Internet (IAI) can induce farmers to standardize the use of antimicrobials. Using the data of 675 hog farmers in the Hebei, Shandong, Henan, and Hubei provinces, China, the IV-Heckman and mediating effect models were used to analyze the phenomenon empirically. The main findings revealed that the IAI had exerted a significant influence on the standardized use of veterinary antimicrobials by hog farmers, i.e., the IAI not only helped farmers to decide to standardize the use of antimicrobials but also reduced the amount of investment in the standardized use of antibiotics. Moreover, information-sharing and feedback mechanisms partially mediated the relationship between the IAI and farmers’ standardized use of antimicrobials. Finally, considering the heterogeneity of individual endowments, the study further revealed that the IAI significantly impacted the standardized use of antimicrobials for farmers below the age of 36 years. However, the IAI was found to positively and significantly promote farmers’ standardized-use decisions only if they had less than five years of breeding time.

Global trends in antimicrobial use in food-producing animals: 2020 to 2030.

Use of antimicrobials in farming has enabled the growth of intensive animal production and helped in meeting the global increase in demand for animal protein. However, the widespread use of veterinary antimicrobials drives antimicrobial resistance, with important consequences for animal health, and potentially human health. Global monitoring of antimicrobial use is essential: first, to track progress in reducing the reliance of farming on antimicrobials. Second, to identify countries where antimicrobial-stewardship efforts should be targeted to curb antimicrobial resistance. Data on usage of antimicrobials in food animals were collected from 42 countries. Multivariate regression models were used in combination with projections of animal counts for cattle, sheep, chicken, and pigs from the Food and Agriculture Organization to estimate global antimicrobial usage of veterinary antimicrobials in 2020 and 2030. Maps of animal densities were used to identify geographic hotspots of antimicrobial use. In each country, estimates of antimicrobial use (tonnes) were calibrated to match continental-level reports of antimicrobial use intensity (milligrams per kilogram of animal) from the World Organization for Animal Health, as well as country-level reports of antimicrobial use from countries that made this information publicly available. Globally, antimicrobial usage was estimated at 99,502 tonnes (95% CI 68,535-198,052) in 2020 and is projected, based on current trends, to increase by 8.0% to 107,472 tonnes (95% CI: 75,927-202,661) by 2030. Hotspots of antimicrobial use were overwhelmingly in Asia (67%), while <1% were in Africa. Findings indicate higher global antimicrobial usage in 2030 compared to prior projections that used data from 2017; this is likely associated with an upward revision of antimicrobial use in Asia/Oceania (~6,000 tonnes) and the Americas (~4,000 tonnes). National-level reporting of antimicrobial use should be encouraged to better evaluate the impact of national policies on antimicrobial use levels.

A retrospective study on veterinary antimicrobial use in Nigeria, 2014 to 2017.

A retrospective study on veterinary antimicrobial use in Nigeria, 2014 to 2017.

Assessment of antimicrobial consumption in food animals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Monitoring antimicrobial use in food-producing animals is one of the global strategies to tackle antimicrobial resistance. The purpose of the present study is to generate quantitative information on antimicrobial use pattern in Dar es Salaam, which will be used as an approach for future monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial quantities consumed in food animals. A 3 years (2016-2018) retrospective survey of antimicrobial usage in food-producing animals in three selected districts of Dar es Salaam city, Eastern Tanzania was conducted. Data on antimicrobial quantities consumed was obtained from five purposively selected licensed veterinary pharmaceutical sales/outlet establishments in the study area, based on keeping detailed sales records for the study period. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 20. Animal population data were from FAO-Stat database used to extrapolate the quantity consumed in food animals to the entire population during the study period in Tanzania. The antimicrobials were analysed based on class, importance for human medicine and route of administration. The study revealed that 178.4 tonnes of antimicrobials (by weight of active ingredients) were consumed during the 3 years period, with an average of 59.5 ± 3.8 tonnes/year. The commonly consumed antimicrobials were tetracycline (44.4%), sulphonamides (20.3%), aminoglycosides (10.3%) and beta-lactams (7.4%). In relation to veterinary antimicrobial use importance to human medicine, 34.4% were of critically important antimicrobials; 4.1% reserve and 51% watch group according to AWaRe categorization of WHO. Most of the antimicrobials were administered orally. Overall, a mean of 7.44 ± 0.81 mg/PCU (population correction unit) was consumed by food-producing animals during the 3 years period. This finding can help improve monitoring and control of veterinary antimicrobial use in Dar es Salaam in particular and Tanzania in general by preserving the efficacy of antimicrobials for future animal and human generations.

Pet Owners and Antibiotics: Knowledge, Opinions, Expectations, and Communication Preferences.

Despite the important role of antimicrobial use in companion animals in the global challenge presented by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), very few studies have quantified pet owner factors that can contribute to suboptimal veterinary antimicrobial use. We conducted an online survey of pet owners, asking about their experiences with veterinarians, their opinions on antibiotic use and knowledge of antibiotics, and their communication preferences regarding judicious prescribing. Just over half (54%) of the 558 pet owners had received antibiotics for their pet at their last non-routine veterinary consultation and most owners were happy (83%) with the antibiotic prescribing decision of their veterinarian. A quarter (25%) indicated that they had been surprised, disappointed or frustrated when a veterinarian had not given their pet antibiotics; 15% had explicitly requested them. Owners placed a higher priority on their pet receiving the most effective treatment than on treatment being cheap or convenient. Most respondents recognized the limitations of antibiotic therapy and the risks associated with antibiotic use, but 50% believed the risks were confined to the treated animal; only a minority was aware of inter-species transfer of bacteria. Pet owners indicated that they would find judicious prescribing messages focused on the direct risks of antibiotics to their pet more compelling than those about public health. Our findings suggest that veterinary communications about responsible antibiotic use should focus on pet owners’ priorities and address or bypass their gaps in understanding regarding antibiotic resistance.

Geographically targeted surveillance of livestock could help prioritize intervention against antimicrobial resistance in China.

The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals is being fuelled by the widespread use of veterinary antimicrobials. China is the largest global consumer of veterinary antimicrobials, and improving AMR surveillance strategies in this region could help prioritize intervention and preserve antimicrobial efficacy. Here we mapped AMR rates in pigs, chickens and cattle in China using 446 surveys of event-based surveillance between 2000 and 2019 for foodborne bacteria, in combination with geospatial models to identify locations where conducting new surveys could have the highest benefits. Using maps of uncertainty, we show that eastern China currently has the highest AMR rates, and southwestern and northeastern China would benefit the most from additional surveillance efforts. Instead of distributing new surveys evenly across administrative divisions, using geographically targeted surveillance could reduce AMR prediction uncertainty by two-fold. In a context of competing disease control priorities, our findings present a feasible option for optimizing surveillance efforts-and slowing the spread of AMR.

Development and Pilot of an Interactive Online Course on Antimicrobial Stewardship in Companion Animals.

A holistic approach to antimicrobial use (AMU) and prescribing is needed to combat the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Previously, an antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) was developed, introduced, and evaluated in 44 Dutch companion animal clinics, which resulted in an optimization of AMU. As a follow-up to this, an online course was developed to promote awareness of AMU, AMR, and responsible antimicrobial prescribing. The aim of this paper is to describe the development and pilot, including evaluation, of this course, which will be disseminated more widely among Dutch companion animal veterinarians. The interactive programme consists of a major e-learning component and two online, face-to-face meetings. The course comprises five different parts corresponding with five consecutive weeks. Theory on several topics is offered, for example on AMU and AMR in general, Dutch regulations and guidelines on veterinary AMU, behavioural change, and possible methods to quantify AMU. Additionally, several assignments are offered, for example to reflect upon one’s own current antimicrobial prescribing behaviour. Interactive discussion and peer-to-peer learning are promoted. Since September 2020, the course has been offered in a pilot phase, and the feedback is promising. Evaluation of the pilot phase will result in recommendations for further optimization and dissemination.

Antimicrobial Use in Animals in Timor-Leste Based on Veterinary Antimicrobial Imports between 2016 and 2019.

Monitoring veterinary antimicrobial use is part of the global strategy to tackle antimicrobial resistance. The purpose of this study was to quantify veterinary antimicrobials imported into Timor-Leste between 2016 and 2019 and describe the antimicrobial import profile of importers. Data were obtained from import applications received by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) of Timor-Leste. Import quantities were analysed by antimicrobial class, importance for human medicine, recommended route of administration and type of importer. An average of 57.4 kg (s.d. 31.0 kg) and 0.55 mg/kg (s.d. 0.27 mg/kg) animal biomass of antimicrobials was imported per year. Tetracyclines (35.5%), penicillins (23.7%), and macrolides (15.9%) were the commonly imported antimicrobial classes. Antimicrobials imported for parenteral administration were most common (60.1%). MAF was the largest importer (52.4%). Most of the critically important antimicrobials for human medicine were imported by poultry farms for oral administration and use for growth promotion could not be ruled out. In conclusion, the use of antimicrobials in animals in Timor-Leste is very low, in keeping with its predominantly subsistence agriculture system. Farmer education, development of treatment guidelines, and strengthening of the veterinary service is important for addressing the potential future misuse of antimicrobials especially in the commercial poultry industry.

Towards a Better and Harmonized Education in Antimicrobial Stewardship in European Veterinary Curricula.

Education in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in veterinary medicine is essential to foster responsible antimicrobial use and control of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals. AMS is listed by the EU and international organizations among the basic ‘Day One Competences’ required of veterinary students upon graduation. Our aim was to evaluate the quality of education of European veterinary students in AMS. We distributed a 27-item survey addressing the perceptions of preparedness and acquired skills on key topics related to AMS to final-year veterinary students in Europe. We collected 3423 complete answers from 89 veterinary schools in 30 countries. Selection of treatment strategies and awareness of emerging AMR problems were markedly different between countries. Overall, only one in four students was familiar with guidelines for antimicrobial use. The students perceived a medium-high impact of veterinary antimicrobial use on AMR in humans. Notably, 75% of the students felt the need for improved teaching on AMS, half of which also demanded more teaching on general antimicrobial therapy. Our results highlight several possible strategies to improve the quality of education, ranging from a better link between clinical rotations and the theory taught in pre-clinical modules, to a more effective introduction into best practices for antimicrobial use.

Veterinary Herd Health Consultancy and Antimicrobial Use in Dairy Herds.

The globally increasing level of antimicrobial resistance affects both human and animal health, why it is necessary to identify ways to change our current use of antimicrobials. The veterinary herd health collaboration between veterinarians and dairy farmers provides a useful setting for changing antimicrobial use in livestock. However, farmers and veterinarians work in a complex agricultural setting influenced by socio-economic factors, which complicates their choices regarding antimicrobial usage. It is therefore necessary to be aware of the range of potential influencing factors and to integrate this knowledge in the relevant local settings. This manuscript presents a literature review of relevant factors relating to antimicrobial use within the veterinary herd health consultancy setting, including knowledge gaps of relevance for changing the use of antimicrobials. An enriched version of the framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour was used to organise the literature review. We identified diverging attitudes on correct treatment practices and perceptions of antimicrobial resistance among veterinarians and farmers, influenced by individual risk perception as well as social norms. Furthermore, disagreements in terms of goal setting and in the frequency of herd visits in relation to herd health consultancy can negatively influence the collaboration and the intention to change antimicrobial use. Farmers and veterinarians emphasise the importance of legislation and the role of the dairy industry in changing antimicrobial use, but the relevance of specific factors depends on the country-specific context. Overall, farmers and veterinarians must communicate better to understand each other's perspectives and establish common goals within the collaboration if they are to work efficiently to reduce antimicrobial use. Farmers and veterinarians both requested changes in individual behaviour; however, they also called for national and structural solutions in terms of balanced legislation and the availability of better diagnostics to facilitate a change in antimicrobial use practices. These various paths to achieving the desired changes in antimicrobial use illustrate the need to bridge methodological research approaches of veterinary science and social sciences for a better understanding of our potential to change antimicrobial use within the dairy farm animal sector.

Use and impact of veterinary drugs, antimicrobials, and supplements in fish health management

Objective:The study was carried out to investigate the use and impact of veterinary drugs, antimicrobials, and supplements in commercial aquaculture for fish health management measures in three selected areas of Mymensingh, Bangladesh.Materials and Methods:Data collection was conducted through questionnaire interviews with owners of 50 fish farms and 25 drug shop owners from Trishal, Fulpur, Tarakanda, and Sadar Upazila of Mymensingh district.Results:A total of 15 trade-named veterinary antibiotics and six categories of other compounds were identified in this study. Antibiotics were found as the most used veterinary drugs (80.85%), followed by disinfectants, nutritional supplements, saline, ammonia removal agents, probiotics, and pesticides. These veterinary compounds’ performances for fish health management were found to vary (10%–60%) significantly.Conclusion:This study’s findings urge the necessity to produce and approve effective aqua drugs and treatments to ensure farmed fish and public health.