The EU has already introduced regulations restricting the routine use of antibiotics in agriculture, but in countries like South Africa, legislation governing antibiotics is still lenient. As a result, administering antibiotics to animals is an everyday practice on South African farms.
At De Heus South Africa, Michel Bradford, Product Manager Pigs & Poultry, and Chris Prinsloo, Head of Sustainability, tell us about the challenges of reducing antibiotic use, the drivers for change and the measures they are taking to encourage farmers to alter course.
Creating awareness
“There’s widespread use of antibiotics in animal feed in some countries, including South Africa,” says Michel. “We need to improve how we manage use of antibiotics so they’re used more prudently.” One of the obstacles to more responsible antibiotic use is an absence of awareness. “From our local experience, there’s a lack of understanding about the complexities and dangers of antibiotic resistance,” explains Chris. “This undermines our goal of increasing their prudent use, therefore building awareness has to be part of our local strategy.”
“Building awareness has to be part of our local strategy.”
Consequences of fewer restrictions
The EU has strict regulations governing the use of antibiotics in animal feed and on farms, but the situation is very different in South Africa. “As long as antibiotics are used according to the supplier recommendations, a farmer doesn’t require authorisation from a vet,” says Michel. “A prescription is only needed for high-powered antibiotics.” Because of these relatively loose rules, South African farmers can administer antibiotics as they see fit, but they may not always be making the correct choice. “Looking at antibiograms which measure the impact of antimicrobial drugs, these antibiotics are no longer as effective,” Michel adds. “Antibiotic resistance is becoming a big issue and it’s very concerning.”
Legislative and market pressure
With growing unease in other parts of the world, South Africa is looking at making legislative changes. “About three years ago, the government published a draft document on controlling antibiotic use in the food industry, so legislation is on the way,” says Michel. “We want to prepare farmers for when that time comes.” The market will also have an impact. “South Africa is part of the global economy,” continues Michel. “More and more international retail companies and fast food chains will expect producers to use antibiotics as little as possible.”
Lack of urgency
Irrespective of legislation and market forces, De Heus wants to do what’s best for human and animal health and eliminate critical antibiotics and their preventive use in feed by 2030. This applies to every business unit, but not all countries will achieve that objective at the same time. “It will be more challenging in Africa and Asia,” says Michel. “2030 is a short time frame for a country like South Africa. We have a lot of work to do.” In the first instance, this work involves overcoming farmers’ resistance to change. “There isn’t the same level of urgency with all stakeholders,” says Chris. “Profit is still the key driver and farmers are already grappling with the country’s inadequate energy infrastructure and the associated costs of generating their own power.”
Livestock -Antibiotics and vaccinations
Community projects
Antibiotics have been in use for such a long time in South Africa, there’s a nervousness about future restrictions. “If you’re going to reduce antibiotics, especially for prophylactic use, on-farm management will have to change significantly,” explains Michel. “That means improving housing and facilities.” Many farm facilities in South Africa are relatively old with little or no environmental controls. Upgrading these facilities will come at a financial cost. Reducing antibiotic use will also mean reducing production pressure on livestock. “For example, if a farmer wants to grow a broiler chicken weighing 1.9 kg in 32 days with a feed conversion ratio of about 1.5, removing antibiotics from the process will make it more difficult to achieve,” says Michel. “That’s why many customers say they’ll continue using antibiotics while they can and change when they have to.”
Early adopters
Another argument farmers make is that Africa is not Europe. “People are more affluent in the EU,” says Michel. “So it’s easier for producers to pass on the additional costs to consumers.” In South Africa, big integrators will be better able to afford the extra costs while small producers will find it more difficult. “Some of our customers are more aware of concerns about antibiotics than others,” says Michel. “I know several pig farmers who rarely use them, and some broiler chicken producers profile themselves as not using antibiotic growth promoters and sell birds in niche markets.” But these farmers are in the minority. “If change comes too quickly, either through legislative or market pressure, some farmers may go out of business,” adds Michel. “That’s why we are trying to prepare our customers. One solution we need to find is how can small and developing farmers afford veterinary support. When an animal is ill, it has the right to be treated with antibiotics if required, but the cost of a vet can be prohibitive.”
