US reducing antibiotic use in Cattle and Swine

Recent data from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will help reduce antibiotic use by livestock producers. The data from May 2019, described two national studies from 2016. The studies detailed analysis which outlined the reasons why and how antimicrobials were used in swine operations before the policy ban in January 2017. When using medically important antimicrobials, oversight from a veterinarian is necessary.

Kelly Fogarty, of the United States Cattleman’s Association stated that- “Through strict guidelines, US beef remains the safest in the world”.

The first study used 378 cattle feedlots with a capacity of 50-99 heads. Around 85% of them had a veterinarian client patient relationship (VCPR). A different study of antimicrobial use in at least 1,000 market pigs revealed antimicrobials given to the animal through water and feed were often given to treat respiratory illness and diarrhoea.

In over 98% of pig sites, a veterinarian (VCPR) was used in deciding when and which antimicrobials should be used on the animals.

Randox Food Diagnostics offer a range of meat testing products, capable of detecting multiple antimicrobials in including growth promoters and antibiotics. We offer a wide variety of ELISA test kits including Beta-Agonist, Clenbuterol, Avermectins and Ractopamine. For labs with a higher throughput, we recommend patented Biochip Array Technology. Capable of detecting up to 13 of the world’s most common antimicrobials used in meat production, Biochip Technology makes multi-analyte testing easy and affordable.

For more information please email us at: info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com or visit our website at www.randoxfood.com