National surveillance study – the choice to opt out

Veterinarians use antimicrobials “as little as possible, as much as necessary” to ensure that the health and welfare of the pig is not compromised throughout its life. In 2015 we showed that Australia’s favourable low antimicrobial resistance status is advantageous for increasing consumer confidence. One way that the industry can continue to demonstrate our good animal management practices is by providing hard, science-based evidence.

APL is completing an antimicrobial resistance surveillance study funded with support from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program. This study aims to verify our low antimicrobial resistance levels to antibiotics used to treat Australian pigs and those critically important antibiotics used in human health. The findings will also be used to support our international obligations.

The survey involves the collection of faecal samples from healthy pigs at slaughter. A high level of producer participation in this research would be beneficial for the industry. All data will be confidentially managed and producers will be provided with outcomes from their farms.

If you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact me on the below contact details. If you do not wish for your pigs to be sampled as part of this research project, please email me by Friday 17 July and provide your PIC and Tattoo number to opt out.

Lechelle van Breda

Lechelle.vanbreda@australianpork.com.au

0447 099 397

---