Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a food safety risk since the food chain is a potential route of exposure to resistant bacteria for everyone. Bacteria can develop resistance to chemical substances both in plant and animal production, thus good hygiene practices aiming at prevention and control by using antimicrobials prudently are key to addressing AMR.
In addition to the increased risks associated with resistant bacteria, AMR must be addressed since a further development would limit the effectiveness of already existing antimicrobial agents even more.
In the dairy sector, antimicrobials are vital tools for health management. In particular, udder issues in dairy cattle have led to an extensive use of such products. Dairy farmers have made improvements by implementing efficient practices on farms. However, countries all around the globe are demanding actions against AMR through prudent use of antimicrobials in livestock production, and some of them by the definition of a specific regulatory framework (e.g., the European Union with the new Regulation on Veterinary Medicines1).
AMR has no borders. It can spread in humans, animals and the environment and across countries. This means that we must build a global team against AMR, which must be coordinated, at sector level, throughout the entire food supply chain.
Thus, if we consider the dairy supply chain, any operator has to follow effective rules to help tackle AMR.
The bulk of the work must occur in milk production. Dairy farmers are directly involved in this fight, as they have to ensure the best biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of diseases and resistant strains onto the farm. This implies: a well-defined health management programme, the prudent use of antimicrobials as indicated by the manufacturer, a good milking routine, safe feed and water, comfort for the animals.
In this context, the support from veterinarians is required. Veterinarians have a key role in ensuring prudent use of antimicrobials; therefore, when prescribing antimicrobial medicinal products, they have to rely on their knowledge of AMR, their epidemiological and clinical knowledge and their understanding of the risk factors for individual animals or group of animals.
As a food safety issue, AMR concerns also dairy processing. As a matter of fact, processors, too, are involved in the fight; they can do their part by: providing clear specifications for raw milk, setting up quality management systems, applying HACCP principles for the management of AMR-related hazards, audit activities, checking antimicrobial residues at the plant gates.
OZOLEA launched the SSafeMILK project to support the sustainability of the dairy supply chain by providing tools and strategies against AMR in dairy. SSafeMILK is a circular chain production model benefiting all the players of the dairy industry. The effort made by farmers will be adequately valued for a more sustainable livestock production. Dairy processors will also benefit from a more sustainable milk. More sustainable milk and dairy products mean safer food to consumers.
Many dairy farmers, dairy processors and veterinary products distributors have already taken part in this project which will also benefit food consumers for a safer, more sustainable and environmentally friendly dairy supply chain2.
OZOLEA is ready to welcome other players, such as dairy processors, in this project.
1 Reg. (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicines applicable from 28 January 2022: are we ready?
2 Reducing antibiotic usage in dairy cattle: OZOLEA five years after its foundation.
Guidance on Antimicrobial Resistance from the Dairy Sector
