As antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide problem, threatening both livestock and public health, understanding the drivers for resistance in different settings and countries is essential. Therefore, 30 pig and 30 poultry farms with country-specific high antimicrobial use (AMU) were recruited in the Belgian–Dutch border region. Information regarding production parameters, farm characteristics, biosecurity, and AMU was collected. On average, more biosecurity measures were implemented on Dutch farms, compared to Belgian farms in both animal species. In addition, more opportunities were found to increase the level of internal biosecurity compared to external biosecurity in both countries. AMU, quantified as treatment incidence (TI), differed marginally significant between broiler farms in Belgium and the Netherlands (median BE: 8; NL: 3), whereas in weaned piglets (median BE: 45 and NL: 14) and finishing pigs (median BE: 5 and NL: 1), there was a substantial difference in AMU between farms from both countries. Overall, Dutch farms showed less between-farm variation in TI than did Belgian farms. In both poultry and pig production, the majority of antimicrobials used were extended-spectrum penicillins (BE: 32 and 40%; NL: 40 and 24% for poultry and pigs, respectively). Compared to Belgian farms, Dutch poultry farms used high amounts of (fluoro)quinolones (1 and 15% of total AMU, respectively). None of the production parameters between broiler farms differed significantly, but in pig production, weaning age in Belgian farms (median: 23) was lower than in Dutch farms (median: 27). These results indicate considerable room for improvement in both countries and animal species. Farm-specific preventive strategies can contribute to lowering the risk for animal disease and hence the need for AMU.

A reduction in antimicrobial use (AMU) is needed to curb the increase in antimicrobial resistance in broiler production. Improvements in biosecurity can contribute to a lower incidence of disease and thereby lower the need for AMU. However, veterinary advice related to AMU reduction or biosecurity is often not complied with, and this has been linked to the attitudes of farmers. Behavior change promoted by coaching may facilitate uptake and compliance regarding veterinary advice. Thirty broiler farms in Belgium and the Netherlands with high AMU were included in this study for 13 months. For each farmer, the attitude towards AMU reduction was quantified using an adjusted Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement (ADKAR^®) change management model, and farm biosecurity was assessed with the Biocheck.UGent^™ tool. Subsequently, farmers were coached to improve disease prevention and antimicrobial stewardship. After the individual coaching of farmers, there was a change in their attitudes regarding AMU, reflected by an increase in ADKAR^® scores. Biosecurity levels improved by around 6% on average, and AMU was reduced by 7% on average without negative effects on performance parameters. Despite these improvements, no significant association could be found between higher ADKAR^® scores and lower AMU. Further investigation into sociological models is needed as a tool to reduce AMU in livestock production.

Intensification of broiler production has coincided with an increase in enteric disorders. Enteric syndromes of unknown aetiology are often associated with an increased feed conversion ratio and are given the general term ‘dysbiosis’. Despite the importance of dysbiosis, information on factors contributing to this condition are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe dysbiosis in broilers (Ross 308) during one production round and to identify risk factors. Fifteen farms in Flanders (Belgium) were followed up, with visits at days 10, 17, 20, 24 and 28 of production. At every visit, ten random birds were inspected for footpad lesions, hock burns and breast blisters. Also, coccidiosis and enteric abnormalities were scored after necropsy. A gut appearance score (GAS) was given based on ten macroscopically visible parameters, where a higher GAS equalled more enteric abnormalities. Footpad lesions were seen in 14 farms and increased in prevalence with the age of the birds. Hock burns were seen less frequently, and no breast blisters were detected. Eimeria acervulina lesions were most frequently observed, followed by E. maxima and E. tenella lesions. The average GAS increased from day 10 until day 20. The strong correlations between the GAS at day 10, 17 and 20 indicate that prevalence of gut abnormalities at day 10 can be predictive for scores later on. A higher amount of intestinal defects was seen in older female birds, in the presence of a conceivable E. tenella infection and at farms with a higher productivity and sanitary status. Research highlights