Antimicrobial Stewardship in Food-producing Animals

How antimicrobial drugs are used in food-producing animals has undergone a dramatic paradigm shift that continues to be refined, with marked reductions in many countries in recent years. This chapter discusses the general principles of antimicrobial stewardship in food-producing animals, critically important antimicrobial drugs, and antimicrobials as livestock feed additives, and includes a case study of Dutch experience and its lessons. Elements important in development of national veterinary antimicrobial stewardship programs in food-producing animals discussed include commitment, coordination, regulation, leadership, surveillance, benchmarking, international obligations, and how to measure success. The detailed practices of antimicrobial stewardship in food-producing animals are still developing and issues requiring resolution are outlined.