U.S. Pork Industry Sets the Standard for Responsible On-Farm Antibiotic Use

ATLANTA, March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2016, the U.S. pork industry saw record-breaking pork production and strong ongoing consumer demand. Additionally, consumer interest in how food is produced is at an all-time high, leading the National Pork Board today to reaffirm its commitment to antibiotic stewardship during a live online broadcast event. Real Change: A Live Discussion of On-Farm Antibiotic Use, hosted by The Supermarket Guru^® Phil Lempert, brought together experts in pork production, retail and animal care and welfare for a live, web-based broadcast. During the 30-minute program, experts discussed the pork industry's leadership in responsible antibiotic use and how it has implemented new strict guidelines set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Those guidelines went into effect Jan. 1.

"There is very real change happening on the farm, and we want those who care about these issues to understand the commitment that pig farmers have with regard to antibiotic stewardship and continuous improvement in animal welfare," said John Johnson, chief operating officer of the National Pork Board. "For nearly two years, we have been educating farmers on antibiotic stewardship, investing in research and helping prepare for these changes. Hands down, it has been our largest pig farmer education campaign ever."

FDA guidance 209 and 213 ends the use of medically important antibiotics for growth promotion and increases veterinarian oversight for on-farm antibiotic use through the Veterinary Feed Directive and prescriptions. All human medically important antibiotics administered to pigs in feed and water must have direct veterinarian oversight. This creates a strong veterinary-client-patient relationship between pig farmers and their veterinarians. These same pig farmers and veterinarians also are taking pig management and biosecurity steps that increase the health of pigs and reduce the need for antibiotics.

"We've always been committed to a process of continuous improvement in a number of areas, especially regarding responsible antibiotic use," said Brad Greenway, a pig farmer from South Dakota and America's Pig Farmer of the Year. "We have a great relationship with our veterinarian, with regular check-ins to make sure we're operating safely and effectively. It's only when it is medically necessary for the well-being of the animal that we are prescribed antibiotics."

Another important topic addressed during the broadcast relates to antibiotic resistance – a complex issue that affects both veterinary and human medicine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 47 million human prescriptions are not medically necessary, at least 30 percent of all prescriptions written.

"The CDC has warned us that antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most pressing health problems, and that's why we're committed to doing our part in antibiotic stewardship," said Johnson.

"In the end, we're committed to defining the ideal balance of the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time for our pigs," said Dr. Michelle Sprague, veterinarian and director of sow health at AMVC Management Services.

Shifting to the consumer landscape, the broadcast also focused on consumer concerns about food safety and animal welfare. The use of antibiotics on the farm has drawn increased questions from consumers, and the pork industry is dedicated to encouraging an open dialogue, working with its partners and building confidence in today's pork supply.

"It's a shared responsibility, and we all have to do our part to navigate this evolving discussion about antibiotics and providing safe food to our consumers," said Rick Stein, vice president of fresh foods at Food Marketing Institute. "Organizations like the National Pork Board are getting out there and being stewards of this complicated and evolving issue. The pork industry invites collaboration and constructive criticism among the leaders in food production and distribution."

A replay of the broadcast can be viewed online at: RealChangeOnFarms.org. For more information on the National Pork Board's efforts to assist farmers and others who want to learn more about responsible on-farm antibiotic use, visit pork.org/antibiotics.

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, science and technology, swine health, pork safety and sustainability and environmental management.

For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or check the Internet at pork.org. #RealPigFarming #RealChangeOnFarms

Contact: Cindy Cunningham 
National Pork Board
[email protected] 
(515) 223-2600

SOURCE National Pork Board