The conference, promoted by the white meat industry, shared new developments in the proper use of antimicrobials by presenting existing initiatives, monitoring, and alternatives. Poultry and pork producers, laboratory representatives, veterinary medicine students, university and public sector professionals exchanged knowledge and progress on the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
The international webinar “Proper use of antimicrobials” was held on July 13 and 14, becoming the first public event of its kind to present the white meat industry initiatives in this area, highlighting its ongoing commitment to the proper use of antibiotics.
“Antibiotic resistance is already a global issue, and studies indicate that it will become one of the leading causes of death. That is why ChileCarne organizes meetings like this one, to show producers the various issues involved and what is happening with regulations in other countries, particularly in Europe, the United States, and other destination markets for our meat products. We rely on international experts and we try to carry out dissemination and training activities for the industry on a regular basis,” explained Matías Andrade, ChileCarne’s Head of Innovation and Development Projects.
On the first day, there was a presentation on the Better Health Program and its five lines of work, followed by a presentation from Verónica Seguel of the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) focused on public-led initiatives to fight antimicrobial resistance. Later, Nicolás Galarce, from the School of Veterinary Medicine of Universidad Andrés Bello, talked about monitoring strategies and laboratory analysis in production animals. In turn, Lorenzo Fraile from the Universitat de Lleida focused on international initiatives for antimicrobial control and their challenges.
The second day included presentations on MS Schippers’ HyCare hygiene and biosecurity program by Youri Van Dijck; gut modulation and an alternative to antibiotics by Luciano Sá from Virbac; and the implementation of screening methodologies to detect antibiotic residues in the feces of production animals, which is part of a scientific project funded by the State (Fondef) presented by Javiera Cornejo from the Universidad de Chile Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites resist the effects of medicines, making it difficult to treat common infections and cure animal and human diseases. “We believe that this problem must be addressed comprehensively, considering the points of view from the industry, academia, laboratories, and SAG, which is the overseeing authority. This seminar has been valuable as it gathered poultry and pork producers, laboratory representatives, veterinary students, international experts, professionals from universities and the public sector,” added Matías Andrade.
Although antimicrobial resistance is a natural phenomenon, excessive or unregulated use can accelerate the appearance of viruses and bacteria due to the resistance they develop. “The main takeaway of our efforts and this webinar is the need to have a program to optimize antimicrobials use. It is not enough to reduce their use, they also must be used correctly, since antibiotics are essential for veterinary medicine and will always be needed,” he highlighted.
One of the goals of the “Proper use of antibiotics” conference is to become an annual event that reviews the various points of view and lines of work to keep strengthening the efforts on this issue.
For more information about Better Health, please visit https://www.chilecarne.cl/landing/programa-buena-salud/ (in Spanish)
