In the realm of modern agriculture, the specter of antibiotic resistance looms large, threatening both animal health and the efficacy of vital medications. Despite this, routine “preventative” antibiotic dosing remains a prevalent practice in many countries. However, the tide may be turning, as advancements in pathogen testing technology present a compelling alternative to this outdated approach.
At the forefront of this shift is Genics, a company that specializes in animal health, pathogen management, and breeding program technology. Under the leadership of CEO and Managing Director Dr. Melony Sellars, and with the expertise of Dr. Jeremy Brawner, head of genetics solutions, Genics is championing the use of early-detection pathogen testing to revolutionize livestock disease management.
The Problem with Preventative Antibiotic Dosing
The use of antibiotics in agriculture has been a contentious issue for decades. In 1969, the Swann report, a comprehensive investigation by the British government, condemned the practice of administering antibiotics to healthy animals for disease prevention. Despite the report’s findings and subsequent regulations in some countries, the overuse of antibiotics in farming continued unabated, leading to an increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Fast forward to 2019, and the Interagency Coordination Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (IACG) echoed the concerns of the Swann report, highlighting the role of antibiotics in growth promotion and routine disease prevention as factors contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
The Shift to Modern Pathogen Testing
In response to the enduring problem of antibiotic overuse, the European Union implemented new rules in 2022, including the cessation of “preventative group treatments” with antibiotics. This decisive action was made possible by the confidence in modern disease management strategies, such as genomic profiling and PCR pathogen testing technology.
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing allows for early detection of pathogens, enabling farmers to target specific diseases rather than indiscriminately dosing their livestock with antibiotics. This not only preserves the effectiveness of antibiotics but also allows for a more precise and efficient approach to disease control.
The Role of Genetic Profiling in Disease Resistance
Genetic profiling has emerged as a powerful tool in the battle against livestock diseases. By consistently monitoring the genetics of animal populations, farmers can selectively breed for traits that enhance disease resistance. This method stands in stark contrast to routine antibiotic dosing, which can inadvertently breed more virulent and resistant pathogens.
The National Research Council highlighted the potential of genetic-marker-assisted selection back in 1999, suggesting that it could serve as an alternative to antibiotic overuse. Today, this approach underpins leading breeding programs and is supported by disease detection and management services like those offered by Genics.
The Implications for Farm Productivity and Human Health
The shift away from antibiotic overuse is not only a boon for farm productivity but also a critical step in safeguarding human health. The World Health Organization has long advocated for the reduction of medically important antibiotics in food-producing animals, emphasizing the risk that antibiotic resistance poses to human medicine.
With the availability of affordable and efficient PCR testing and genetic livestock monitoring, the farming industry has the tools it needs to move away from harmful practices and towards a more sustainable and health-conscious future.
As Genics continues to innovate in the field of animal health, the hope is that more farmers will embrace these modern technologies. By doing so, they can protect their livestock, preserve the power of antibiotics, and contribute to a safer, more resilient food supply for generations to come.