How to control the use of antibiotics on the farm?

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Nowadays there is a global battle against antibiotic resistance. Although Ukraine does not yet have an effective system for monitoring and controlling the use of antibiotics, responsible producers may already start monitoring the use of antimicrobials on the farm.

Antibiotics are an important tool for treating animal diseases. To control the use of antimicrobials on the farm, it is necessary to monitor the following "critical" points:

• Only a veterinarian has to prescribe antimicrobials for preventive or therapeutic purposes after conducting sensitivity tests;

• Use of antimicrobials for preventive purposes at every stage of production;

• Compliance with the withdrawal period, disposal of animals that were culled before the end of this period.

In order to assess the real situation on the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry and to study the level of awareness of producers about the risks associated with antibiotic resistance, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders, are implementing the Project “Strengthening National Capacities to Overcome the Risks of Antimicrobial Resistance ( AMR)”.

During the implementation of the projects, a large-scale study of antibiotic use in animal husbandry will take place. More than 600 respondents — representatives of farms in various areas of animal husbandry (pig breeding, poultry farming, beekeeping, cattle breeding) and the household sector, veterinary medicine and fodder production — will be involved in the survey. The study will cover enterprises throughout Ukraine.


The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aims to reduce poverty and hunger in the world by developing agriculture, improving nutrition and addressing food security (food availability for everyone, always). Founded in Quebec on October 16, 1945. The motto is “Helping to build a world without hunger”.

Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders is a non-profit, voluntary organization. Established in July 14-th, 2011. At present, AUPB unites 38 farms, supplying over 50% of commercial pork in Ukraine. The main objective of the Association is to protect the rights and interests of pig producers, achieve international standards of production due to the implementation of modern technologies.