Study: Pig farmers aware of, comply with new antibiotic rules

U.S. pig farmers are not only well aware of new federal rules for on-farm antibiotic use, but they’re also in compliance. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the National Pork Board, Des Moines, Iowa, in November 2016, 95% of pig farmers surveyed said that they were ready to be fully compliant by the time the rules took effect Jan. 1.

“The pork industry worked toward the Jan. 1 implementation date for nearly two years. There was a concern that some producers would not make changes until after the date of implementation, but that does not seem to be the case,” says Jan Archer, president and a pig farmer. “Pig farmers are committed to the substantive changes regarding antibiotic use, and many discontinued using antibiotics for growth promotion years ago, while also reviewing swine medical treatment uses of antibiotics as well.”