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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen-Agriculture 2000, 2000-03-15, Page 34PAGE A-10. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2000. Agriculturalists study antimicrobial resistance As agriculturalists look for ways to improve the health of farm animals, the there are questions regarding the use of antimicrobials. Unlike antibiotics which are natu­ ral substances,. antimicrobials are natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic substances which inhibit or kill microorganisms without harming the host, said Dawn Pate, an antimicro­ bial resistance specialist with OMAFRA. Resistance develops when a bacte­ ria is able to survive exposure to antimicrobials to which it is expect­ ed to be sensitive. Resistance, says Pate, is not related to residue, which refers to cases where antimicrobials are found in foods such as milk or meat. The greatest concern with resist­ ance is the ability of the bacteria to become more virulent, thereby mak­ ing the disease more difficult to pre­ vent. Within 10 years of the intro­ duction of antimicrobials, Pate said there were indications of resistance. It has now gotten to the stage of a “major public health concern”. Because of the speed with which bacteria multiplies, resistance can develop quickly through genetic mutations, picking up traits from other nearby bacteria or as a natural progression of the original. The nature of bacteria is survival of the fittest so the strongest, most resistant strains survive to continue growing. It is not resistance alone that caus­ es concern, said Pate, but also when bacteria capable of doing harm become resistant. It results in harder- to-treat illnesses, longer treatment courses or an increased risk of death. Livestock husbandry can add to the possibility of resistance. “Stocking rates, housing facilities, sanitation practices, isolation facili­ ties and usage patterns of antimicro­ bials all influence the spread of resistance,” said Pate. When resistance develops to the preferred option of antimicrobial, Pate said the second line must be used. It is often more costly and has to be administered in another way. As the resistance grows, the list of effective treatments decreases. The link between antimicrobial use in animals to bacteria resistance in humans was made by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1997. Citing mounting evidence that showed resistance might be passed from animal to human, WHO said (human) infections are becoming more difficult to treat. It is this impact which could have dramatic consequences on the use of antimicrobials. Important medicines for both humans and animals, antimicrobials are used for the prevention of disease and growth promotion in livestock, said Pate. Because resistance can develop due to long-term exposure, use of antimicrobials as a growth promoter may be an area for review. When used in this capacity, antimicrobials are given in low dosages for long periods, allowing a longer period for selectivity. The WHO outlined five concerns in dealing with antimicrobial resist­ ance in animals: the possibility of increased prevalence of resistant bacteria in animals; the transfer of resistant pathogens to humans via direct contact or through consump­ tion of contaminated food or water; the transfer ol resistant genes to humans; an increase in the incidence of human infections caused by resist­ ant pathogens and potential thera­ peutic failure in humans and ani­ mals. Pate said it will take more research to determine to what degree antimi­ crobials used in agriculture impacts resistance in animals and humans. The Ontario Cattlemen’s Association is getting involved as they try to determine if beef produc­ tion practices are contributing to resistance. One study looks at the use of medicines while another gath­ ers information through a producer- oriented surveillance system of antimicrobial use, she said. Research is being undertaken and new guidelines are being implement­ ed around the world as industry lead­ ers look at ways to stop the elimina­ tion of once-effective antimicrobials. While scientists work to determine the impact of resistance, farmers are trying to prevent resistance from occurring. Jim Magee, a beef producer from Drumbo spoke at a recent conven­ tion on antimicrobial resistance, about his operation and how farmers try to limit the use of antimicrobials, not only due to cost, but because of the increased handling of the animals and consumer concern for a safe product. Magee cited several preventative methods for farmers to keep their animals healthy. The first would be education. A graduate of an agricul­ tural college, Magee said he contin­ ues to read trade magazines, keep up to date on health issues and has made use of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association’s program Canadian Cattlemen’s Quality Starts Here. Magee also considers animal hus­ bandry extremely important. “A clean, stress-free environment aids greatly in the prevention of dis­ ease,” he said. Preventive medicines such as vac­ cines are useful for disease preven­ tion, he added. The relationship with the vet is also important as Magee said he works closely with the vet, following his suggestions. “Overall herd health and good management is the goal. It is disease prevention rather than treatment.” For an extensive look at research and information on antimicrobials resistance, papers presented by more than a dozen speakers at an antimi­ crobial resistance conference last fall can be read on-line or printed. 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