Antimicrobial use in poultry flocks in Austria between 2013 and 2019. (31st May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Griesbacher, Antonia; Schließnig, Harald; Weber, Stefan; Fuchs, Klemens
• Is Part Of: Veterinary record. Volume 189:Number 8(2021)
• Page Start: no
• Page End: no
• Publication Date: 2021-05-31
• Subjects: antimicrobial consumption -- benchmarking -- broiler production -- treatment -- treatment incidence -- turkey production; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine vétérinaire -- Périodiques; Veterinary medicine; Veterinary Medicine; Periodicals; Periodical; Electronic journals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1002/vetr.508
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-4900

Abstract

Abstract: Background : The increase in bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials—often selected for a high level of antimicrobial uses (AMUs) in human beings or food‐producing animals—is a global concern. The Austrian Poultry Health Service (QGV) has established a database containing comprehensive information on poultry flocks in Austria. Methods : AMU in 32, 411 broiler flocks and 2946 turkey flocks between 2013 and 2019 is analysed by calculating different metrics, including the treatment incidence TI1000 . Furthermore, the Austrian benchmarking system for poultry is introduced. Results : Annual AMU in broilers decreased from 1030.8 kg of active ingredient to 762.5 kg between 2013 and 2016 but rose again to 1165.0 kg in 2019; while for turkeys annual AMU dropped from 1196.4 kg to 569.0 kg between 2013 and 2019. At the same time, the proportion of treated flocks decreased from 34.2% to 24.8% for broilers and from 54.3% to 44.0% for turkeys. In both broilers and turkeys, the most frequently used antimicrobial class, according to the TI1000 unit, in broilers and turkeys is polymyxins. Conclusion : Calculating different metrics enables a deeper insight into AMU. Total AMU reduced without legislation but the increase of AMU in broiler production needs further investigation.