Knowledge, attitudes and practices toward antimicrobial usage: a cross-sectional study of layer and pig farm owners/managers in Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Chonburi provinces, Thailand, May 2014 to February 2016

This study aimed at determining the current knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of layer and pig farmers to antimicrobial usage and its consequences. Description of such KAP could provide insights useful for promoting the rational use of antimicrobials in livestock. From May 2014 to February 2016, a survey involving 251 respondents in Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Chonburi provinces, Thailand, was conducted by using a validated questionnaire. More than half (51.0%) of the respondents incorrectly believed that antimicrobial drug efficacy could not be reduced by using sub-recommended dosages, 61.2% had misconceptions about non-therapeutic antimicrobial use, and 66.9% inaccurately felt that antimicrobials were also effective for virus and fungi. Over half (50.6–55.2%) did not see the need to follow instructions or advice of veterinarians. Moreover, only 10.4% regularly relied on responses to drugs sensitivity tests when evaluating the effectiveness of antimicrobials. Overall, assessment of KAP regarding antimicrobial usage indicated that the majority of respondents had low levels of knowledge of antimicrobials, neutral rather than positive attitudes, and employed poor practices in the use of antimicrobials. The results indicate improvements in KAP could be helpful in developing more effective interventions by farmers, reduce antibiotic usage, and slow the growth of antimicrobial resistance.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices toward antimicrobial usage: a cross-sectional study of layer and pig farm owners/managers in Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Chonburi provinces, Thailand, May 2014 to February 2016 / 대한수의학회지

This study aimed at determining the current knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of layer and pig farmers to antimicrobial usage and its consequences. Description of such KAP could provide insights useful for promoting the rational use of antimicrobials in livestock. From May 2014 to February 2016, a survey involving 251 respondents in Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Chonburi provinces, Thailand, was conducted by using a validated questionnaire. More than half (51.0%) of the respondents incorrectly believed that antimicrobial drug efficacy could not be reduced by using sub-recommended dosages, 61.2% had misconceptions about non-therapeutic antimicrobial use, and 66.9% inaccurately felt that antimicrobials were also effective for virus and fungi. Over half (50.6–55.2%) did not see the need to follow instructions or advice of veterinarians. Moreover, only 10.4% regularly relied on responses to drugs sensitivity tests when evaluating the effectiveness of antimicrobials. Overall, assessment of KAP regarding antimicrobial usage indicated that the majority of respondents had low levels of knowledge of antimicrobials, neutral rather than positive attitudes, and employed poor practices in the use of antimicrobials. The results indicate improvements in KAP could be helpful in developing more effective interventions by farmers, reduce antibiotic usage, and slow the growth of antimicrobial resistance.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunization and castration in male pigs: effects on growth, hormonal levels, antibody titer response, testicular function, back fat, and consumers' sensory perceptions

This study investigated the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine on pig growth, carcass quality, and sensory perceptions of pork meat by Thai consumers. Male crossbred pigs (n = 30) were separated into three groups of 10 pigs each: boars, immunocastrated pigs, and surgically castrated pigs. The immunocastrated group was immunized at 13 and 19 weeks of age with GnRH vaccine (400 µg/dose). All pigs were slaughtered at 24 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected and testes size determined. Testes weight and back fat thickness were recorded at the time of slaughter, and meat samples were collected for sensory assessment by Thai consumers. Testosterone and progesterone concentration levels decreased significantly two weeks after the second dose of GnRH (p < 0.05), and the GnRH antibody titer of the immunocastrated pigs was significantly high two weeks after the second dose of GnRH (p < 0.05). GnRH vaccine significantly reduced the weight and size of testes. Thai consumers reported no significant differences in odor or flavor among meat samples from the three groups. In conclusion, immunocastration improved growth performance, removed the need for castration surgery, and avoided “boar taint” in the meat. It has also no distinct trace of the boar taint same as pork that is currently produced from physically castrated pig which is making it acceptable to consumers.

Distribution, quantitative load and characterization of Salmonella associated with swine farms in upper-northern Thailand

This study was conducted to analyze the prevalence and quantitative loads of Salmonella spp. on pig farms in Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Thailand to assess loading levels before slaughtering. The serotype diversity, antimicrobial-resistance pattern and pulse-field type of Salmonella spp. were also characterized to assess the dynamic propagation of the pathogen. The Salmonella-positive prevalence was 246/805 (30.56%), and the quantitative loads varied from 1.48~4.04 Log10MPN/g, with a mean +/- standard deviation of 2.11 +/- 0.57. AMP/S/TE (ampicillin/streptomycin/tetracycline) was the highest frequency antimicrobial resistance pattern found in this study. In addition, Salmonella Rissen was the primary serotype in this region. PFGE results indicated the occurrence of infection by cross contamination among pig farms. Our study showed that pork is easily contaminated with this pathogen. Farm control programs must be based on strict biosecurity and hygienic measures, which could further reduce the contamination pressure at slaughterhouses or retail shops.

Occurrence and characterization of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pig industries of northern Thailand

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) in pigs, farm workers, and the environment in northern Thailand, and to assess LA-MRSA isolate phenotypic characteristics. One hundred and four pig farms were randomly selected from the 21,152 in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces in 2012. Nasal and skin swab samples were collected from pigs and farm workers. Environmental swabs (pig stable floor, faucet, and feeder) were also collected. MRSA was identified by conventional bacterial culture technique, with results confirmed by multiplex PCR and multi locus sequence typing (MLST). Herd prevalence of MRSA was 9.61% (10 of 104 farms). Among pigs, workers, and farm environments, prevalence was 0.68% (two of 292 samples), 2.53% (seven of 276 samples), and 1.28% (four of 312 samples), respectively. Thirteen MRSA isolates (seven from workers, four from environmental samples, and two from pigs) were identified as Staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec IV sequences type 9. Antimicrobial sensitivity tests found 100% of the MRSA isolates resistant to clindamycin, oxytetracycline, and tetracycline, while 100% were susceptible to cloxacillin and vancomycin. All possessed a multidrug-resistant phenotype. This is the first evidence of an LA-MRSA interrelationship among pigs, workers, and the farm environment in Thailand.