Monitoring antimicrobial consumptions in fattening pigs in Italy: preliminary findings towards an integrated approach

Italy is a large pig producer and a system to monitor active ingredients (AIs) consumptions of veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) at farm level is needed. The aims of this study were to develop a tool to record these consumptions and to compare AIs usages with production losses, biosecurity levels and health statuses.

A data collection software, an XML database and an interactive dashboard were developed to store data and perform calculations. The system was tested with a convenience sample of 20 fattening farms (mean pig slaughtered per year 4780). Data were collected retrospectively for 2014 or 2013.

AIs consumptions were calculated yearly as milligrams of AI used per kilogram of meat produced (mg / kg meat). In addition, defined daily and course dose animal for Italy (DDDAit and DCDAit), based on national prescriptions, were established. Mean days and courses of therapy per pig were also calculated using 100 kg as average weight at treatment.

Biosecurity levels were evaluated with a survey and losses as sum of mortality and cull. Correlations between AIs usages and losses or biosecurity were investigated. To further assess differences in AIs consumptions, farms were grouped according to clinical reports, presence or absence of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP).

Average usages were 114 mg / kg meat (range; 20–222), 17.7 days (range; 4.1–37.9) and 3.3 cycles (range; 0.6–6.9) per pig. Administration routes were 4.1% injectable (of total DDDAit), 22.6% oral powder, 10.9% oral solution and 62.4% premix. The top five used AIs were lincomycin (20.4% of consumed DDDAit), doxycycline (16.5%), tiamulin (15.6%), amoxicillin (12.9%) and colistin (10.1%). Mean biosecurity score was 63.0% (range; 48.9%– 73.9%). Mean losses were 5.2% (range; 2.0%–10.0%). AIs consumption and biosecurity or losses were not significantly correlated. 35% of the farm reported respiratory signs, 20% enteric and 45% both. 30% were positive to B. hyodysenteriae, 25% to APP, 10% to both and 35% were negative. AIs consumptions did not significantly differ between groups.

An XML database allows changing bases of calculation, when new standards are established, without affecting stored data. Interactive dashboards offer an intuitive depiction of AIs consumptions, via charts, with different levels of aggregation.

Evaluations on national consumptions and comparisons between AIs usages, losses, biosecurity and health status require further studies with a larger sample size. Data on animal welfare, slaughterhouse and other pathogens should be included to improve the health status assessment and the integrated approach.

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared.