Antimicrobial Resistance: Technical Solutions in Livestock Farming, Promoting Proper Use in the Pets Sector

In the fight against antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine, the Ministry of Agriculture has published an analysis* that lists integrated solutions to reduce the associated risk of antimicrobial resistance in livestock farming. Three approaches are being considered: the search for new compounds, the development of therapeutic alternatives, and the adoption of new livestock management practices with a greater focus on prevention. As for pets, a public awareness campaign**—part of the 2012–2017 EcoAntibio plan—has just been launched to educate pet owners through veterinarians.  In livestock farming, the success of the various plans and laws aimed at reducing antimicrobial resistance depends on the availability of technical solutions. According to the ministry’s analysis, there are three such solutions. > Searching for new molecules: the last major families of antibiotics introduced to the veterinary market (fluoroquinolones, third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins) date back more than 20 years. The most recent molecules, carbapenems, are reserved for human use. It is true that there are numerous barriers to innovation in the veterinary anti-infective sector (unpredictable return on investment, limited use and thus low market potential, cumbersome marketing authorisation and toxicology dossiers, limited profitability, etc.) and do not bode well for the discovery of new antibiotics in the short term. Instead, manufacturers are looking to make something new out of something old: they are exploring changes to the formulation, dosage form, or route of administration of existing drugs to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. > Developing therapeutic alternatives: The foreseeable lack of new molecules is leading some professionals to turn to substitutes—whether natural or synthetic—even though some of these substances still lack regulatory approval. This is not the case for zinc oxide, which is authorized as a feed additive for pigs due to its preventive effect against weaning diarrhea in piglets. Another recommended approach is the broader use of available vaccines, supplemented if necessary by the use of autovaccines, especially in “minor” animal species. Other practitioners suggest treatment methods that are resource-efficient, inspired by complementary medicine such as homeopathy, veterinary aromatherapy and herbal medicine, or even probiotics as feed supplements, or even phage therapy when conventional medications fail. This raises the question of the efficacy and the toxicological or ecotoxicological effects of these alternative substances. If they claim to have a therapeutic effect, they fall into the category of drugs and must therefore meet efficacy criteria and obtain marketing authorisation. However, within this strict framework, they are no match for synthetic chemical compounds. Nevertheless, these products can help reduce the use of antibiotics to some extent and have no impact on antimicrobial resistance. Their implementation, however, will require adaptation and training for both veterinarians and livestock producers. > Adopt preventive livestock management practices: The increasing number of treatment dead-ends must lead to strengthened biosecurity measures on farms (taking into account animal comfort, environment, and hygiene in barns, especially in maternity and weaning areas). Respect for animal welfare and the needs of each species, as well as providing an appropriate diet, also contribute to better herd health (lower stocking densities, reduced stress, and increased disease resistance). In certain sectors, voluntary initiatives are already going a step further (access to pasture for sows, use reduction for C3G and C4G, “antibiotic-free” rearing, etc.).  

In human health, according to a recent British study published by the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, the risk associated with antibiotic resistance could lead to 10 million deaths worldwide each year by 2050 and result in production losses of nearly $100 billion. In animal health, the development of antimicrobial resistance could slow the nutritional transition and threaten rural areas that depend on livestock farming.

  When it comes to pets, the fight against antimicrobial resistance centers on a public awareness campaign designed to promote proper use among dog and cat owners. The goal is to remind the public that antibiotics should only be used after a clinical examination and with a veterinarian’s prescription, that self-medication should be avoided, and that simple hygiene practices can prevent infections. Posters in waiting rooms and pharmacies, informational brochures, radio segments, and online banners will disseminate this information to a wide audience. This campaign, which uses the slogan “Antibiotics aren’t automatic for us either,” is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture.   * Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance in Animal Husbandry: Toward Integrated Solutions, No. 82, published by the Statistics and Forecasting Department, Center for Studies and Forecasting, September 2015. ** “Antibiotics: Not a Given for Us Either,” not a given,” developed by a working group led by the Veterinary Council and composed of representatives from the Direction générale de l'alimentation (DGAL) and the General Directorate for Health (DGS), the French Association of Companion Animal Veterinarians (AFVAC), the National Council of the Order of Pharmacists (CNOP), the French Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products (ANMV), the French Equine Veterinary Association (AVEF), and the Union of the Veterinary Medicines and Reagents Industry (SIMV).