Antibiotics: What do industry changes mean for your farm?

With some milk processors beginning to implement changes to the rules on antibiotic usage, it is expected that the wider industry will follow suit in due course. We spoke to Norbrook account manager Paul Uglow and veterinary advisor Douglas Palmer who explained the changes and gave advice on preparing your farm.

In 2016, the Antimicrobial Advice Ad Hoc Expert Group (AMEG) categorised antibiotics based on their potential consequences for human health and antimicrobial resistance when used in animals. While the categorisation is not new, some milk processors are beginning to utilise it with their suppliers.

The latest AMEG advice, published in 2020, categorises antibiotics as follows: • Category D – Prudence: The primary group for use as a rst line treatment whenever possible and only when medically needed.

Containing active ingredients such as penicillins, oxytetracyclines, sulphonamides, etc • Category C – Caution: Should be considered only when there are no category D antibiotics that could be clinically e ective.

Containing active ingredients such as streptomycin, orfenicol, gamithromycin, tylosin, etc • Category B – Restrict: Critically important antibiotics due to their role in human medicine and should only be considered when no category C or D products could be clinically e ective. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing must be carried out before being prescribed. Containing active ingredients such as ceftiofur, enro oxacin, etc.

What will the prescription changes mean for the industry?

Category C products are widely prescribed rst line for common conditions by farm vets due to their broad spectrum of activity, so the new rules could be a source of concern, says Mr Palmer (below left). However, he is keen to stress that these changes do not mean category C antibiotics are banned – they can continue to be used, but justi cation will be needed.

Going forward, further information and support may be required from your vet. The vet will perform a detailed clinical review on an individual farm basis, which justi es the use of a Category C product for the condition being treated. Actions could include outcome data, culture and sensitivity test results or detailed clinical justi cation.

The use of non-steroidal anti-in ammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is una ected by the changes. In some circumstances, these can be used as rst line treatments before antibiotics, providing pain relief and potent antipyretic properties, says Mr Palmer. Use of analgesics such as NSAIDs is already a Red Tractor requirement for pain management (e.g., after calf disbudding and castration). Mr Palmer recommends farmers speak to their vet about the products available to them.

Whilst the dairy industry is relatively well prepared as the new changes were introduced by certain milk processors at the beginning of the year, Mr Palmer believes it could be more of a surprise to the beef and sheep sectors, as some every day products may unsuspectingly fall into category C; unsuspectingly fall into category C; actives including penicillin combined actives including penicillin combined with streptomycin and potentiated amoxicillins (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid). It is anticipated that a domino e ect will occur with other processors and quality assurance schemes also picking up these rules in years to come. Mr Palmer says now is the time for farmers to make preparations to ensure they’re not taken by surprise when the changes eventually hit farm. “This is coming, maybe not this year for everyone, but within the next couple of years it will be standard protocol on-farm. A good example of this would be the classi cation of CIAs and how their use now must be de ned with culture and sensitivity testing on every farm.”

Whether it be doing some training, discussing it with your vet or going to a farmer meeting, Mr Uglow (below right) advises starting the process of change now to avoid being in a more di cult situation in a few years’ time.

What support is available for farmers?

Norbrook has developed an animation to explain the changes and is delivering one-hour CPD presentations to veterinary practices across the country. The aim for this year is to raise awareness of the categorisations, how vets can support their farm clients and what antibiotic usage can still be justified. Several of Mr Uglow’s practices are already implementing requirements across their farms. Another big focus has been and is the reduction of antibiotics and reducing the Mg/PCU level on farm.

Norbrook is also incorporating the changes into its Responsible Use of Medicines course for farmers. Over the next few years, Norbrook plans to extend the course to help farmers embrace technology and diagnostics, making it as easy as possible for them to adopt the requirements.

“Being ahead of the game is the key thing,” he explains. “The new veterinary health plans Red Tractor has introduced are a much better document – rather than just a one-page health plan for the vet to sign, it’s a proper, detailed veterinary health plan that goes through the whole structure of your business. Vets can work with farms on this.”

For more information on the changes speak to your vet or contact Norbrook directly. FG

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