Feed & Additive Magazine Issue 47 December 2024

SUSTAINABILITY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2024 69 In the U.S., antibiotics are allowed for use only under veterinary prescription for animals that are sick or are at risk of becoming sick, and never for use as a growth promotor. Depending on the broiler market segment the antibiotic use can be more restricted: • ‘No Antibiotics Ever’ (NAE), strategy – without the use of any antibiotic, even not ionophore anticoccidials. • ‘No Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine’ (NAIHM) strategy – where only a limited number of antibiotics, not important to human medicine as approved by FDA (AS Food and Drug Administration), are allowed. So, people have the impression that the U.S. is going the complete opposite direction, which is not correct. We have to correct that misperception. Why do you think it is still so common to use AGPs in some regions? Misunderstanding is a big problem. That’s why the theme of World AMR Awareness Week, 'Educate. Advocate. Act now’ is so relevant. It’s really important to understand why AGPs are used. Given the name ‘antibiotic growth promoter’, one would think AGPs are only used to promote growth. But, in a lot of cases these antibiotics are used to control Salmonella or address specific health challenges. The first step to define a solution to reduce ‘AGPs’ is knowing exactly why these are used. If AGPs are indeed used to promote growth, often solutions, like specific phytogenics with anti-inflammatory effects can help maintain or even improve performance without the use of AGPs. Of course, if the ‘antibiotic growth promoters’ are used to control Salmonella, a practice often used in Latin America, then we need a completely different solution that includes a comprehensive Salmonella control program, including detailed monitoring throughout the value chain. A third reason companies use AGPs is to address certain health challenges or prevent such health challenges. In that case, other solutions are needed. You don’t need something that’s only reducing inflammation and promoting growth; you need something that is opposing the health challenge. What do you most want producers to know about starting the process of reducing antibiotic use? Reducing antibiotic use is always important to reduce the risk for resistance. Because even if an antibiotic is used 100% in the correct way - correct dose, small spectrum - bacteria are opportunistic organisms and we’re always selecting for resistance, small to large. Any effort to curb antibiotic use in the production system helps reduce the risk for resistance, maintaining the efficacy of the antibiotics and improving performance in the future – especially in regions where livestock production is growing.

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