UN Rejects Reduction, Promotes Health Stewardship
The United Nations has recently made a pivotal decision that affects pork producers across the United States by rejecting the proposal for mandatory reductions in the use of antimicrobials on farms.
This decision is seen as a win for both pork producers and veterinarians who argue that such mandates could undermine effective animal healthcare.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has been at the forefront, advocating for the freedom of veterinarians to establish and maintain herd health through the Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR).
This relationship is crucial as it allows for tailored health strategies that include the use of antimicrobials when necessary.
“Pork producers care about the health of their pigs, as healthy pigs ensure safe pork,” said Dr. Ashley Johnson, NPPC director of food policy.
“Efforts to dictate on-farm production practices – especially those not rooted in science – are harmful in nature and undermine veterinarians’ ability to best care and treat animals.”
Statistical data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration highlight a decrease in the domestic sales of medically important antimicrobials for food-producing animals, indicating a proactive shift towards more judicious antimicrobial use even before the UN’s decision.
The UN’s stance reinforces the importance of antimicrobial stewardship programs that aim to optimize the health of animals and humans alike, reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
The involvement of the pork industry in the One Health collaborative underlines its commitment to a unified health approach that considers the well-being of people, animals, and the environment.
The UN’s decision supports sustainable practices in the pork industry that balance productivity with health considerations, thereby setting a global precedent for others in animal agriculture.
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Photo Credit: nppc.org