Antimicrobial use and resistance in food-producing animals-How can we protect the efficacy of antibiotics for reproductive diseases?
Abstract: The ongoing emergence of antibiotic resistance jeopardizes efficacy of antibiotics in curing animals from bacterial infections that threaten their health, welfare and productivity. This review gives an overview of antimicrobial use data in food-producing animals, a discussion on how antimicrobials are used for some infections in the reproductive system in cattle, the horse and pig in Europe where there are differences in treatment practices including options to refine the use of antibiotics, and finally, a presentation of the antibiotic resistance for some bacteria collected from the reproductive system. It is shown that there are differences in applied treatment regimens for, as well as prevention of, several reproductive diseases in Europe. Some of the treatments are not evidence-based, which should be considered by clinicians and other stakeholders. It is concluded that a more refined and restrictive use of antibiotics could be achieved by adhering to evidence-based guidelines by national and international expertise including the scientific literature when available. This may call for a re-think among the animal health stakeholders regarding the use of antibiotics and may demand new skill-sets in the animal health sphere.
© 2022 The Author. Reproduction in Domestic Animals published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
Publication Date: 2022-06-13 PubMed ID: 35668646PubMed Central: PMC9796707DOI: 10.1111/rda.14170Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research article examines the use of antibiotics in food-producing animals, the development of antibiotic resistance in these animals, and how the efficacy of this treatment can be safeguarded for reproductive diseases. The study emphasizes the need for more restrained and evidence-based use of antibiotics, by adhering to expert guidelines and recommending a reassessment of antibiotic use among animal health stakeholders.
Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Food-Producing Animals
- The research initially offers a summary of the existing data on antibiotic use in animals bred for food production. It explores the continuing emergence of antibiotic resistance amongst these animals which is causing a growing concern for their health, welfare, and productivity.
- The study draws attention to the fact that bacterial infections in these animals are increasingly resisting antibiotic treatment, undermining their effectiveness.
- The paper then specifically discusses the application of antibiotics for treating certain reproductive infections in livestock like cattle, horses, and pigs, primarily in Europe.
- It underscores a noticeable difference in the treatment routines employed for various reproductive diseases, with some treatments not being based on scientific evidence.
- The study advises medical professionals and other stakeholders to consider these non-evidence-based treatments, given their potential inefficacy and contribution to antibiotic resistance.
- The paper concludes with recommendations for a more refined and restricted manner of employing antibiotics, in line with evidence-based guidelines provided by national and international experts and scientific literature when available.
- It suggests the need for a reevaluation of antibiotic use amongst animal health stakeholders, possibly demanding the acquisition of new skills in the animal health domain.
- By implementing these changes, the study suggests that the efficacy of antibiotics in treating reproductive diseases in food-producing animals can be protected, thus enhancing their health and productivity.
Antibiotics for Reproductive Diseases – Usage and Differences in Treatment
Recommendations for Refining Antibiotic Use
Cite This Article
APA
Magnusson U.
(2022).
Antimicrobial use and resistance in food-producing animals-How can we protect the efficacy of antibiotics for reproductive diseases?
Reprod Domest Anim, 57 Suppl 4(Suppl 4), 13-20.
https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.14170 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
- Anti-Infective Agents
- Bacteria
- Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
- Bacterial Infections / prevention & control
- Bacterial Infections / veterinary
- Cattle
- Cattle Diseases / drug therapy
- Cattle Diseases / microbiology
- Cattle Diseases / prevention & control
- Drug Resistance, Bacterial
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Horses
- Swine
- Swine Diseases
References
This article includes 44 references
- Albihn A, Båverud V, Magnusson U. Uterine microbiology and antimicrobial susceptibility in isolated bacteria from mares with fertility problems.. Acta Vet Scand 2003;44(3-4):121-9.
- Bengtsson B, Wierup M. Antimicrobial resistance in Scandinavia after ban of antimicrobial growth promoters.. Anim Biotechnol 2006;17(2):147-56.
- Björkman S, Oliviero C, Kauffold J, Soede NM, Peltoniemi OAT. Prolonged parturition and impaired placenta expulsion increase the risk of postpartum metritis and delay uterine involution in sows.. Theriogenology 2018 Jan 15;106:87-92.
- Bolinder A, Seguin B, Kindahl H, Bouley D, Otterby D. Retained fetal membranes in cows: Manual removal versus nonremoval and its effect on reproductive performance.. Theriogenology 1988 Jul;30(1):45-56.
- Canisso IF, Segabinazzi LGTM, Fedorka CE. Persistent Breeding-Induced Endometritis in Mares - a Multifaceted Challenge: From Clinical Aspects to Immunopathogenesis and Pathobiology.. Int J Mol Sci 2020 Feb 20;21(4).
- Díaz-Bertrana ML, Deleuze S, Pitti Rios L, Yeste M, Morales Fariña I, Rivera Del Alamo MM. Microbial Prevalence and Antimicrobial Sensitivity in Equine Endometritis in Field Conditions.. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 20;11(5).
- Drillich M, Klever N, Heuwieser W. Comparison of two management strategies for retained fetal membranes on small dairy farms in Germany.. J Dairy Sci 2007 Sep;90(9):4275-81.
- Drillich M, Mahlstedt M, Reichert U, Tenhagen BA, Heuwieser W. Strategies to improve the therapy of retained fetal membranes in dairy cows.. J Dairy Sci 2006 Feb;89(2):627-35.
- Duse A, Persson-Waller K, Pedersen K. Microbial Aetiology, Antibiotic Susceptibility and Pathogen-Specific Risk Factors for Udder Pathogens from Clinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jul 16;11(7).
- EMA. Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 31 European countries in 2019 and 2020 ‐ trends from 2010 to 2020. Eleventh ESVAC report. .
- nEMAn. Veterinary medicinal products regulation (Regulation [EU] 2019/6). .
- Eppe J, Lowie T, Opsomer G, Hanley-Cook G, Meesters M, Bossaert P. Treatment protocols and management of retained fetal membranes in cattle by rural practitioners in Belgium.. Prev Vet Med 2021 Mar;188:105267.
- Espinosa-Gongora C, Jessen LR, Dyar OJ, Bousquet-Melou A, González-Zorn B, Pulcini C, Re G, Schwarz S, Timofte D, Toutain PL, Guardabassi L. Towards a Better and Harmonized Education in Antimicrobial Stewardship in European Veterinary Curricula.. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021 Mar 30;10(4).
- . The European Union Summary Report on Antimicrobial Resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2018/2019.. EFSA J 2021 Apr;19(4):e06490.
- FAO. Tackling antimicrobial use and resistance in dairy cattle: Lessons learned in Sweden. Rome.
- Farmer C, Maes D, Peltoniemi O. Mammary system. Diseases of swine 11th ed., pp. 313–338.
- Haimerl P, Arlt S, Borchardt S, Heuwieser W. Antibiotic treatment of metritis in dairy cows-A meta-analysis.. J Dairy Sci 2017 May;100(5):3783-3795.
- Hoelzer K, Wong N, Thomas J, Talkington K, Jungman E, Coukell A. Antimicrobial drug use in food-producing animals and associated human health risks: what, and how strong, is the evidence?. BMC Vet Res 2017 Jul 4;13(1):211.
- Käppeli N, Morach M, Corti S, Eicher C, Stephan R, Johler S. Staphylococcus aureus related to bovine mastitis in Switzerland: Clonal diversity, virulence gene profiles, and antimicrobial resistance of isolates collected throughout 2017.. J Dairy Sci 2019 Apr;102(4):3274-3281.
- Kemper N. Update on postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows.. J Anim Sci 2020 Aug 18;98(Suppl 1):S117-S125.
- Kemper N, Bardehle D, Lehmann J, Gerjets I, Looft H, Preissler R. The role of bacterial pathogens in coliform mastitis in sows.. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr 2013 Mar-Apr;126(3-4):130-6.
- Köhne M, Kuhlmann M, Tönißen A, Martinsson G, Sieme H. Diagnostic and Treatment Practices of Equine Endometritis-A Questionnaire.. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:547.
- Landin H. The udder health pyramids. .
- Magnusson U, Moodley A, Osbjer K. Antimicrobial resistance at the livestock-human interface: implications for Veterinary Services.. Rev Sci Tech 2021 Aug;40(2):511-521.
- Magnusson U. Prudent and effective antimicrobial use in a diverse livestock and consumer's world.. J Anim Sci 2020 Aug 18;98(Suppl 1):S4-S8.
- Magnusson U, Pedersen Mörner A, Persson A, Karlstam E, Sternberg S, Kindahl H. Sows intramammarily inoculated with Escherichia coli influence of time of infection, hormone concentrations and leucocyte numbers on development of disease.. J Vet Med B Infect Dis Vet Public Health 2001 Sep;48(7):501-12.
- Magnusson U, Sternberg S, Eklund G, Rozstalnyy A. Prudent and efficient use of antimicrobials in pigs and poultry. FAO animal production and health manual no. 23 Rome.
- H A Morris L, M McCue P, Aurich C. Equine endometritis: a review of challenges and new approaches.. Reproduction 2020 Nov;160(5):R95-R110.
- Persson A, Pedersen Mörner A, Kuhl W. A long-term study on the health status and performance of sows on different feed allowances during late pregnancy. III. Escherichia coli and other bacteria, total cell content, polymorphonuclear leucocytes and pH in colostrum and milk during the first 3 weeks of lactation.. Acta Vet Scand 1996;37(3):293-313.
- Pisello L, Rampacci E, Stefanetti V, Beccati F, Hyatt DR, Coletti M, Passamonti F. Temporal efficacy of antimicrobials against aerobic bacteria isolated from equine endometritis: an Italian retrospective analysis (2010-2017).. Vet Rec 2019 Nov 16;185(19):598.
- Pyörälä S, Taponen J, Katila T. Use of antimicrobials in the treatment of reproductive diseases in cattle and horses.. Reprod Domest Anim 2014 Sep;49 Suppl 3:16-26.
- Rajala-Schultz P, Nødtvedt A, Halasa T, Persson Waller K. Prudent Use of Antibiotics in Dairy Cows: The Nordic Approach to Udder Health.. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:623998.
- Larsen RE. Veterinary obstetrics and genital diseases (Theriogenology) by S.J. Roberts (ed.); 981 pages, $72.00. 1986, 3rd edition. Published by the author, Woodstock, VT 05091. Distributed by David and Charles Inc., North Pomfret, VT 05053.. Theriogenology 1986 Nov;26(5):551-2.
- Sanders P, Vanderhaeghen W, Fertner M, Fuchs K, Obritzhauser W, Agunos A, Carson C, Borck Høg B, Dalhoff Andersen V, Chauvin C, Hémonic A, Käsbohrer A, Merle R, Alborali GL, Scali F, Stärk KDC, Muentener C, van Geijlswijk I, Broadfoot F, Pokludová L, Firth CL, Carmo LP, Manzanilla EG, Jensen L, Sjölund M, Pinto Ferreira J, Brown S, Heederik D, Dewulf J. Monitoring of Farm-Level Antimicrobial Use to Guide Stewardship: Overview of Existing Systems and Analysis of Key Components and Processes.. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:540.
- Sheldon M. The metritis complex in cattle. Veterinary reproduction and obstetrics Tenth ed., pp. 408–433.
- Sølverød L, Whist AC, Katholm J, Rattenborg E, Kulkas L, Sandgren C, Carlsson J, Landin H. Nordic guidelines for mastitis therapy. .
- Suojala L, Kaartinen L, Pyörälä S. Treatment for bovine Escherichia coli mastitis - an evidence-based approach.. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2013 Dec;36(6):521-31.
- Timonen A, Sammul M, Taponen S, Kaart T, Mõtus K, Kalmus P. Antimicrobial Selection for the Treatment of Clinical Mastitis and the Efficacy of Penicillin Treatment Protocols in Large Estonian Dairy Herds.. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021 Dec 30;11(1).
- Tiseo K, Huber L, Gilbert M, Robinson TP, Van Boeckel TP. Global Trends in Antimicrobial Use in Food Animals from 2017 to 2030.. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020 Dec 17;9(12).
- Van Boeckel TP, Glennon EE, Chen D, Gilbert M, Robinson TP, Grenfell BT, Levin SA, Bonhoeffer S, Laxminarayan R. Reducing antimicrobial use in food animals.. Science 2017 Sep 29;357(6358):1350-1352.
- Vidović J, Stojanović D, Cagnardi P, Kladar N, Horvat O, Ćirković I, Bijelić K, Stojanac N, Kovačević Z. Farm Animal Veterinarians' Knowledge and Attitudes toward Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use in the Republic of Serbia.. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022 Jan 5;11(1).
- Wagener K, Gabler C, Drillich M. A review of the ongoing discussion about definition, diagnosis and pathomechanism of subclinical endometritis in dairy cows.. Theriogenology 2017 May;94:21-30.
- WHO. Critically important antimicrobials for human medicine, 6th revision. .
- WHO. Global action plan on antimicrobial resistance. pp. 28.
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Kasimanickam R, Bhowmik P, Kastelic J, Ferreira J, Kasimanickam V. From Infection to Infertility: Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Molecular Perspectives on Postpartum Metritis and Endometritis in Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2025 Sep 29;15(19).
- Ye Z, Li M, Jing Y, Liu K, Wu Y, Peng Z. What Are the Drivers Triggering Antimicrobial Resistance Emergence and Spread? Outlook from a One Health Perspective. Antibiotics (Basel) 2025 May 26;14(6).
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists