Improved animal husbandry, biosecurity and vaccination as a strategy to reduce antimicrobial use

Summary

Preventive health strategies in animal production, including biosecurity, improved husbandry practices and vaccination, are increasingly recognised as essential tools for promoting livestock health, reducing antimicrobial use (AMU) and supporting the sustainability of food systems. This narrative study synthesises current evidence on the impacts of preventive measures across pig, broiler and veal calf production systems to reduce AMU. A targeted literature search using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science identified peer-reviewed studies assessing the effects of external and internal biosecurity practices, farm management practices and vaccination programmes on AMU. Consistent findings indicate that enhanced biosecurity is associated with reduced AMU, lower morbidity and mortality rates, and improved production outcomes. Intervention trials demonstrate that relatively low-cost structural and behavioural biosecurity upgrades can yield substantial returns on investment through reduced veterinary expenses and higher growth rates. However, context-specific variables, such as herd size, local disease pressure and stakeholder compliance, significantly influence the effectiveness of biosecurity measures. Notably, some associations between vaccination and increased AMU highlight the need for further causal research there. This article advocates preventive health and evidence-based biosecurity as pillars of antimicrobial stewardship and offers strategic recommendations to strengthen policy frameworks, improve infrastructure and promote sustainable on-farm adoption.

Keywords

Antimicrobial resistance – Antimicrobial use – Biosecurity – Livestock – Productivity – Stewardship – Vaccines.