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Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene2022; 57 Suppl 4(Suppl 4); 13-20; doi: 10.1111/rda.14170

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.
Publication Date: 2022-06-13 PubMed ID: 35668646PubMed Central: PMC9796707DOI: 10.1111/rda.14170Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Review

Summary

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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.
  • Antibiotics for Reproductive Diseases – Usage and Differences in Treatment

    • 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.
    • Recommendations for Refining Antibiotic Use

      • 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.

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

ISSN: 1439-0531
NlmUniqueID: 9015668
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 57 Suppl 4
Issue: Suppl 4
Pages: 13-20

Researcher Affiliations

Magnusson, Ulf
  • 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

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. 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).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15192841pubmed: 41096436google scholar: lookup
  2. 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).
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