Consumer perceptions of antimicrobial use in animal husbandry: A scoping review

Abstract

Antimicrobial use in animal agriculture is often perceived to play a role in the emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance. Increased consumer awareness of this issue places pressure on animal husbandry to adopt policies to reduce or eliminate antimicrobial use. We use a scoping review methodology to assess research on consumer perceptions of antimicrobial drugs in meat products in the United States, Canada, or the European Union. Evaluating peer-reviewed and grey literature, we included studies for assessment if they met these topical and geographic requirements, involved primary data collection, and were originally published in English. Our screening process identified 124 relevant studies. Three reviewers jointly developed a data charting form and independently charted the contents of the studies. Of the 105 studies that measured consumer concern, 77.1% found that consumers were concerned about antimicrobial use in meat production. A minority of studies (29.8% of all studies) queried why consumers hold these views. These studies found human health and animal welfare were the main reasons for concern. Antimicrobial resistance rarely registered as an explicit reason for concern. A smaller group of studies (23.3%) measured the personal characteristics of consumers that expressed concern about antimicrobials. Among these studies, the most common and consistent features of these consumers were gender, age, income, and education. Regarding the methodology used, studies tended to be dominated by either willingness-to-pay studies or Likert scale questionnaires (73.64% of all studies). We recommend consideration of qualitative research into consumer views on this topic, which may provide new perspectives that explain consumer decision-making and mentality that are lacking in the literature. In addition, more research into the difference between what consumers claim is of concern and their ultimate purchasing decisions would be especially valuable.

Towards a Better Use of Antimicrobials on Farms: Insights from a Participatory Approach in the French Pig and Poultry Sectors

“…Few studies analyzed in detail consumers’ understanding and knowledge of antimicrobial resistance. A scoping review about consumer perceptions of antimicrobial use in animal husbandry confirms a willingness to pay a premium for antibiotic-free products that varies strongly depending on the investigated geographic, social, and cultural settings [ 24 ]. More interestingly, while trying to untangle the answers provided by consumers, the authors found that the major threats regarding antimicrobial use in husbandry perceived by consumers include consumer safety because they fear the presence of antimicrobial residues in animal products as well as the association of antimicrobial use with poor animal welfare, with the concern about antimicrobial resistance being less pronounced.…”

“…The monitoring of antimicrobial use has been tested in different studies, including making it part of a regulation device in certain countries [ 17 ]. Concerning consumers, the misunderstanding of antimicrobial resistance versus antimicrobial residues in animal products is also observed in other countries [ 24 , 27 ]. All of these points lead us to believe that our results may be relevant to other contexts.…”

Attitudes of South Korean consumers toward the prudent use of antimicrobials in livestock animals

“…Consumers' concerns about food safety and animal welfare can motivate industry stakeholders to implement changes in the livestock industry [ 1 ]. One controversial and complex issue that has emerged in recent years as a major concern for consumers is the use of antimicrobials (AMs) in livestock [ 2 ]. AMs, which mainly refers to antibiotics (i.e., drugs that target bacteria), are drugs administered to patients to treat and prevent infection, illness, and other health problems resulting from the exposure to microbial organisms such as bacteria, virus, fungi and protozoa [ 2 ].…”

“…One controversial and complex issue that has emerged in recent years as a major concern for consumers is the use of antimicrobials (AMs) in livestock [ 2 ]. AMs, which mainly refers to antibiotics (i.e., drugs that target bacteria), are drugs administered to patients to treat and prevent infection, illness, and other health problems resulting from the exposure to microbial organisms such as bacteria, virus, fungi and protozoa [ 2 ]. Using AMs for clinical infections in livestock is crucial to ensure health and well-being of livestock animals for human consumption [ 3 ].…”

Udder Health Monitoring for Prevention of Bovine Mastitis and Improvement of Milk Quality

“…Since the link between animal health and welfare and food safety is well documented, one of the main objectives of the new CAP is to improve the response of EU agriculture to society’s food and health requirements. This includes providing safe, nutritious animal products produced sustainably, with higher animal welfare standards [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Thus, using non-invasive tools for monitoring udder health and prevention of bovine mastitis may enable the transition to a “low-antibiotic farm model” with healthier animals and safer dairy products.…”