Strategies that Emphasize Management over Medication in Extension Swine Production
Extension Education
Casey Zangaro
Swine Production Educator
Michigan State University Extension
Alma
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites resist the drugs used to treat or prevent infections. This is a significant public health concern, as it can create resistance to infections in humans and animals, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Antimicrobials are fed to livestock to prevent disease; overuse and misuse can lead to AMR development in animals and humans. To address this issue, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken several steps to reduce the use of antimicrobials in livestock. Continued monitoring and regulation of antimicrobial use in animal agriculture remains essential. Five years post VFD implementation, Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) wondered how these guidelines have affected Michigan pork producers and swine veterinarian perceptions regarding impacts on antimicrobial use, herd health, and other farm management practices aimed at controlling disease. Surveys were distributed to small-herd Michigan pork producers and veterinarians to explore how herd health and management practices have changed since VFD implementation. The Michigan Animal Agriculture Alliance grant funded this project. It was administered in 2022 using both online and in-person formats. The surveys questioned perceived antimicrobial use and how they may have changed on farms in January 2017. Questions included whether the use of feed-grade antimicrobials had increased, stayed the same, or decreased; whether there were changes in the use of vaccines; and whether health prevention measures such as farm biosecurity measures had been altered. The surveys asked the producers if they thought the incidence or severity of common swine diseases had changed during the past five years. Surveys completed by swine veterinarians asked similar questions but also included questions regarding how knowledgeable their clients were about VFD. The MSU Extension pork team has produced a series of articles, factsheets, and videos to raise awareness of and evidence-based solutions for many of the issues raised by Michigan pork producers and swine veterinarians through this survey—the complementary short videos describe the practical applications of approaches described by these articles and fact sheets. A resource section titled Management over Medication has been created on the MSU Extension pork team site.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Casey Zangaro
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Zangaro, C. Swine Production Educator, MSU Extension, Michigan, 48801