Walid Battal
Whether cattle, goats or pig farming, animal antibiotics are generally used in feed to accelerate the growth of livestock. Penicillin, beta-lactam, amoxicillin or other bactericidal products are used to treat, control, prevent and cure infections that can affect livestock. However, they have been banned since 2006 by European legislation. However, some countries in Latin America, including Argentina, still use these products to improve the health of its livestock.
In a recent bill from the end of 2023, the Argentine government put in place a strategy to reduce animal antibiotics used in livestock by 40%. For good reason, these lead to the appearance of resistant bacteria and aggravate their transmission to humans. Indeed, the daily use of livestock by humans or even the direct consumption of infected flesh can cause rapid contamination. Hence the importance of limiting the use of these antibiotics for animals. In Argentina, this operation first involves the establishment of strict surveillance and control through regular traceability. The country has also implemented awareness and training campaigns, as well as the improvement of agricultural practices among local pastoralists; and the promotion of probiotic alternatives (use of vaccines) and the setting of limits on preventive use in healthy animals.
This campaign will allow farmers to save 60% of livestock from animal antibiotics.