Evolution of antimicrobial usages in monogastric species industries: state of progress and prospects

The quantity of antimicrobials used in monogastric production (swine, poultry and rabbit) has dropped since the 2000s, and is now relatively stationary. The successive EcoAntibio plans have strengthened the momentum and contributed to drastically reducing the use of critically impor-tant antimicrobials. This results from the combined effect of regulatory changes, private voluntary actions implemented in the different sectors, as well as collective and individual professional approaches. Different preventive approaches have been implemented, based on a multifactorial approach of animal health, the refinement of diagnosis of health troubles, and analysis of the causes to define suitable preventive measures. The emphasis has been put on farm management, hygiene, biosecurity, vaccination, nutrition, and the use of alternative products. Antimicrobial prescription practices have also evolved, with establishment of consensual good treatment practice guidelines, generalization of bacteriological testing and antibiograms, correct compliance with dosage, and close health monitoring to tailor treatments. These changes rely on a good rela-tionship between the farmer, the veterinarian and the technician, which has been reinforced through support and training of farmers. Further rationalization of antibimicrobial use needs to target "at-risk farms >> and tailor-made actions.