When it comes to the use of antimicrobials in livestock, there is plenty of disagreement. Too often the topic is oversimplified into a less-is-better approach. As a swine veterinarian, I have focused on protecting pig health and well-being my entire career. Antimicrobials are vital tools veterinarians need to fulfill their responsibility as animal health care providers, much like physicians’ care for human patients.

Now, in my role as food policy director for the National Pork Producers Council, I’m able to share my expertise and have a voice in international discussions on a range of animal health issues. Most recently, the United Nations considered a proposal calling for a 30% global on-farm reduction in antimicrobials, as well as limits on the use of certain antimicrobials in animal agriculture. This type of policy was not based on science and would have been harmful in nature and undermine the ability of veterinarians to best care for and treat animals.

In September, the U.N. General Assembly rejected the proposal and instead called for investments in stewardship programs and strengthening veterinarians’ roles on the farm. This was a positive outcome for U.S. pork producers and veterinarians. Efforts to dictate on-farm production practices — especially those not rooted in science — are misguided and oversimplify a complex issue. The United Nations reinforced that a science-backed approach is optimal.

Related:Protecting America’s pork industry

This year, I had the honor of speaking on behalf of the NPPC on three global stages (a U.N. hearing, USDA comments and World Antimicrobial Resistance Congress), defending responsible use practices that emphasized the industry’s commitment to working with veterinarians, practicing judicious antimicrobial use, and training farm employees through programs like Pork Quality Assurance Plus. These platforms ensure NPPC brings a scientific voice to combat ideas of global antimicrobial standards, surveillance, and other potential initiatives that would undermine producer-veterinarian partnerships and subsequent decisions for herd health.

While antimicrobial resistance remains a global health challenge listed among the United Nations’ top 10 health threats, progress is being made. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, sales of medically important antimicrobials have decreased at persistent levels since 2017, with 2022 data showing a 36% decrease compared to 2015. And the U.S. pork industry is further committed to advancing stewardship of antimicrobials.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all reduction target that will solve this issue. Combating antimicrobial resistance requires a collective commitment from all stakeholders — animal and human health alike — to use responsible practices and work together as part of the solution.

Related:Borgic Family named Illinois Pork Family of the Year