Did you know that the inappropriate use of medicines in animals can compromise not only the health of animals, but also the quality of meat and milk we consume? Therefore, it is essential to understand how to use medicines responsibly in livestock. In this post, we will explore this very important topic to ensure food safety and animal welfare.
What's medicines?
Medicines are chemicals that have the ability to interact with the organism of an animal, modifying its structure or functioning. They are used to treat and prevent diseases, relieve symptoms and improve the general well-being of the animal.There are many different types of medicines for animals, each with its own benefits and risks. It is important to consult a veterinarian before administering any medicine to an animal, to ensure that it is safe and effective.
Use of medicines in animals in livestock
In order to ensure the quality and safety of products offered to the market, as well as animal welfare, several regulatory standards have been developed for the use of medicines in animals. However, it is important that this use is responsible, according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
The indiscriminate use of medicines can cause damage to the health of animals and humans, and negatively affect the environment. Therefore, it is essential that farmers are advised on the correct management of medicines, always seeking to minimize the risks involved in their use.
Why is responsible use of medicines in animals important?
Farm animals are regularly treated with antibiotics to prevent and control diseases. However, indiscriminate use of antibiotics can lead to the creation of bacteria resistant to these drugs. This poses a risk to human health, since resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated meat or milk.In addition, the abusive use of antibiotics can also compromise the effectiveness of these drugs in humans, since resistant bacteria can spread to other people.For these reasons, it is crucial that farmers use antibiotics only when necessary and follow the recommendations of the veterinarian as to the dosage and duration of treatment.
How to use medicines in animals responsibly?
Livestock farming is an important economic activity for Brazil, accounting for about 4% of the country's GDP.However, the abusive use of medicines on animals raises concerns about food security as well as antibiotic resistance.
Therefore, it is important to use medicines in animals responsibly, only when necessary and following the guidelines of the veterinarian.In addition, it is important to maintain good hygiene in the environment where animals live and work with a good disease control plan, including vaccination.
