Superbugs are a growing concern for producers.
An epidemiology consultant recently talked with producers at a Huron and Perth County Pork Producers meeting.
Leigh Rosengren explains as antibiotics are used more frequently the bacteria they're being used to treat become more resistant to the treatment.
"The solution are difficult but they definitely work around reducing use, only using them when absolutely necessary," says Rosengren. "And making sure we really improve our husbandry and management to the point that we can reduce our reliance on antibiotics."
Rosengren also points out that doesn't mean sick animals should be left to suffer.
"We don't believe that animals should be sick. Sick animals need to be treated. That's part of our welfare responsibility as producers. What we're talking about is minimizing unnecessary use and finding better ways to prevent animals from being sick."
Rosengren points out that resistance to multiple drugs is growing problem in veterinary and human medicine.
