Resistance Is Growing in the Field — Where’s the Solution?

09/05/2025

Could you start by explaining what you most commonly use antibiotics for on your farm?

We mainly use antibiotics for treatment purposes — especially for post-partum infections, respiratory diseases, and metritis. We’ve significantly reduced preventative use; our focus now is on treating actual cases based on need.

Have you noticed changes in how diseases respond to antibiotics compared to previous years?

Absolutely. We’ve seen clear differences in both disease progression and recovery time. Some antibiotics that used to work reliably no longer deliver the same results. This extends the treatment process and often requires combination therapies or additional supportive products.

Do you believe certain antibiotics are becoming less effective?

Yes, unfortunately. We’ve observed resistance to specific active compounds. That forces us to reassess treatment plans even for previously simple cases. The biggest challenge is often having to choose antibiotics without an antibiogram, which involves a lot of guesswork.

What’s your perspective on vaccination and biosecurity in managing disease and resistance?

They’re the two most critical tools we have. At Karyem, we strictly follow our vaccination schedule and isolate new animals. These steps have significantly reduced disease spread and, in turn, our reliance on antibiotics.

Are you noticing antibiotic resistance more frequently in your area?

Yes, I am. We’re seeing more resistant cases — situations where drugs that used to work simply don’t anymore. That impacts both animal health and production efficiency.

Is awareness of antibiotic resistance improving in the sector?

It’s growing, but not fast enough. Especially in small farms, antibiotics are still viewed as a “cure-all.” There’s a real need for more education — not just for veterinarians, but also for producers and farm workers.

What do you see as the most important steps to prevent resistance?

Accurate diagnosis is key. We must stop random antibiotic use. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (antibiograms) should become routine, and we need to promote preventative medicine. Improved record-keeping would also help guide better decisions.

How can cooperation between veterinarians, producers, and government institutions be improved?

Without collaboration, we won’t make progress. We need state-supported training programs, better information flow to field vets, and incentive systems for farms that follow responsible practices. Everyone has to move in the same direction.

Any sector-specific solutions you would recommend?

Yes — we should develop regional antibiotic resistance maps. If we know which compounds are less effective in certain areas, we can make more informed decisions. Also, strengthening the “farm vet” system would reduce unnecessary prescriptions.

In which diseases are you seeing resistance most often?

Mainly respiratory infections and post-partum uterine infections. In young calves, resistance is also becoming a concern in diarrhea cases.

What’s needed for more responsible use across the sector?

Education. Everyone involved — from the vet to the worker handling the animals — needs to understand when and how antibiotics should be used. Enforcing prescription-only regulations would also help control misuse.

What role do immune support and nutrition play in all this?

A healthy immune system changes everything. Animals with strong immunity get sick less often and recover faster. Reducing stress and providing proper nutrition are vital. Immune boosters like vitamins, minerals, and probiotics are also very useful — especially in high-risk periods.

Do you ever face cases where even combined antibiotics don’t work?

Yes, in resistant cases, even combination therapy can fail. That’s why we now use antibiograms much more regularly — to ensure we’re choosing the right drug from the start. Data-based decisions are crucial.