The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antibiotic resistance as one of the most significant threats to human health. Annually, depending on the calculation method, approximately 1.3–5 million people worldwide die from complications and illnesses caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Particularly challenging are multi-resistant bacterial strains that are resistant to several different antibiotics.
What does antibiotic resistance mean, and what can be done about it?
Humans and animals share the same bacterial strains. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics contribute to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, making the treatment of certain diseases more difficult. Resistant microbes can transfer from animals to humans and vice versa, making the situation particularly challenging.
Vetcare is actively involved in research and development to combat resistance. Globally, major uses of antibiotics include medical treatments for production animals, and, for example, in Southern Europe, antibiotics are used preventively on production animal farms.
Vetcare has played a significant role in reducing the use of antibiotics in Finnish animal production. We developed the first narrow-spectrum antibiotic for bovine mastitis in 2001, and the drug has since become a market leader in some Nordic countries, significantly reducing the use of unnecessary multi-drug combinations for mastitis treatment.
We train annually numerous livestock farmers and veterinarians on better diagnostics, prevention, and targeted medication for infections, aiming to avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatments. Instead of automatically prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics with many active ingredients, we encourage investigating the pathogen first and then prescribing targeted treatment for that specific bacterium. Additionally, we research and provide guidance on the impact of farm cleanliness on disease prevention.
Read also: Sustainable Vetcare - work against antibiotic resistance
Cleanliness, diagnostics, targeted treatment
Thanks to our long-term efforts, Finland is a pioneer in PCR-based rapid and precise mastitis diagnostics, leading to shortened durations of antibiotic treatments and reduced usage amounts year by year.
According to Fimea's research, antibiotic use in production animals in Finland has steadily declined over the last decades and is significantly lower compared to Southern European countries. In 2021, Finland used 17 milligrams of active substance per population correction unit, while in Cyprus, the corresponding figure was 296.5 mg/PCU. Even fewer antibiotics were used in Norway, Sweden, and Iceland according to Fimea's statistics.
In addition to the "Cleanliness, diagnostics, targeted treatment" recommendation, we strive to ensure that the antibiotics used adhere to treatment recommendations. We have removed, for example, third-generation cephalosporins and long-acting antibiotic injections from our product range. With these measures, we ensure that when antibiotics are truly needed, they work effectively and promptly.
Concrete measures to prevent antibiotic resistance:
Development of the narrow-spectrum Carepen mastitis drug
Restriction or reduction of the sale of broad-spectrum antibiotics
Training of livestock farmers and veterinarians on antibiotic resistance prevention through diagnostics and medication
Introduction of PCR-based mastitis diagnostics in Finland
Research on antibiotic use in the treatment of respiratory infections in piglets
Lectures and participation in research on the impact of farm cleanliness on animal welfare, disease incidence, and medication
Responsible product range: We only include in our selection antimicrobial drugs compliant with domestic microbial recommendations, we have restricted broad-spectrum antibiotics, and increased the number of products supporting animal training and well-being.