Factors influencing Danish veterinarians’ choice of antimicrobials prescribed for intestinal diseases in weaner pigs

Abstract

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance is a worldwide human and animal health problem, and there is an urgent need to promote prudent use of antimicrobials among veterinarians. In order to do so, it is important to understand the factors that determine their use of antimicrobials. This questionnaire-based study aimed to determine which factors that influence the Danish veterinarians’ choice of antimicrobials prescribed for intestinal diseases in weaner pigs.MethodsThe survey was completed by 83.3 per cent (n=105) of all veterinarians accountable for a Veterinary Advisory Contract in Danish weaner pig herds (n=126). The participants scored to which extent 29 different factors influenced their antimicrobial choice on a five-point Likert scale (1-5).ResultsThe veterinarian’s own experiences of clinical efficacy in the herd exerted the greatest influence (94.4 per cent scored ≥4). The Danish authorities have directed a threshold of the antimicrobial use and made some antimicrobials less favourable to use in pig production through The Yellow Card Initiative, and this influenced the choice of antimicrobials significantly (78.1 per cent scored ≥4). Microbiological laboratory diagnostics influenced the choice of antimicrobial for most veterinarians (78.1 per cent scored 4 or 5), and therefore the Danish statutory requirement of laboratory diagnostics before flock treatment was considered reasonable.ConclusionThe study concluded that many factors influenced the veterinarians choice of antimicrobials, and that statutory requirments can be used to support prudent use of antimicrobials.

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