Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC)’s attendees from notable organizations across the world visits standard swine farm of Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF), one of world's largest food conglomerates and third largest swine producer in the world, to learn on best welfare practices, especially on the prevention of antimicrobials resistance.
CPF’s Rayong Plant II in Rayong, 200 kilometers East Bangkok, welcomed more than 40 specialists from Prince Mahidol Award Conference 2018 who interested in standard swine farm and prudent antimicrobial use issue. The plant has been recognized as a developed farm for its Good Agricultural Practice by Department of Livestock Development.
Dr. Damnoen Chaturavittawong (D.V.M), Senior Vice President of Swine Veterinary Service Department, said antimicrobials in animal are able to be used responsibly with veterinarian’s prescription. Antimicrobials that are used for animals only are the priorities for CPF’s animal treatment while shared – class antimicrobials of human medicine will be used as the last choice in order to prevent antimicrobials resistance in human.
“Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animal is becoming one of the biggest threats to human as it can increase antimicrobial resistance incidence in human as well. From review on Antimicrobial Resistance 2014 report, the AMR problem could result in 10 million deaths by 2050.Therefore the collaboration from all organization is needed to address this situation” he added.
CPF, as a leader in the industry with the vision “Kitchen of the World”, is taking proactive role to tackle this issue. It has announced “Global Vision on Antimicrobials Use in Animals” since 16th October 2017, following the guidelines from the World Health Organization and other standards of veterinary associations and organizations. The vision has been implemented by all of CPF units across the globe.
CPF has prioritized the antimicrobials policy as follows; 1) practice animal-only antimicrobials just for therapeutic under veterinary oversight 2) elimination of the use of shared-class antimicrobials which
are medically important for human medicine for growth promotion purposes globally 3) work with global partners to identify new and better ways to care for animals to enhance animal welfare and to reduce the need for antimicrobials 4) increase the role of the veterinarian in antimicrobial oversight 5) develop AMR monitoring program with national and international organizations .
The company believes that good swine practice is the key to lessen the use of antimicrobial. Keeping swine in a healthy condition would bring to the reduction of using antimicrobial. CPF implements the policy throughout the global food supply chain and collaborating with all parties under the "One Health", an approach to protect the health of people, animals and the global community.
