CHEROKEE, Iowa — The National Pork Board (NPB) has debuted a new infographic showing how U.S. pig farmers are working with their veterinarians to “use antibiotics responsibly.”

“As pig farmers, we work closely with veterinarians to make sure we’re using antibiotics only when necessary for the health and well-being of our animals,” said Derrick Sleezer, NPB president and Cherokee, Iowa, hog producer. “We’re also committed to protecting human health, and we understand the importance of using tools such as antibiotics responsibly to ensure food safety.”

According to Sleezer, the NPB continues to update and expand programs, such as Pork Quality Assurance Plus, which certify that producers know the latest information about how to practice responsible antibiotic use at the farm level. Sleezer said pig farmers are increasingly communicating with the public about this issue with the goal of “demystifying antibiotic use.”

“We realize that today’s consumers want to know how their food is produced and that it’s safe for their families,” he explained. “This is why we’re reaching out and telling people how we keep animals healthy to produce safe food. This infographic is one way we will achieve that goal.”

In November, the NPB emphasized the proactive steps the U.S. pork industry has already taken to ensure responsible antibiotic use. Jennifer Koeman, DVM, NPB director of producer and public health, said calls by various organizations to end antibiotic use on farms are misguided and would have a negative impact on food safety.

“We understand people are confused about the role of antibiotics in meat production and, unfortunately, recently released reports only add to that confusion,” she said. “It’s simple – when you produce healthy livestock, you get safe food. The meat you eat is safe due to FDA (Food and Drug Administration) rules on antibiotics and USDA testing of meat.”

Koeman said the pork industry has collectively embraced USDA and FDA efforts to phase out the use of antibiotics for growth promotion and, in turn, to limit them to treatment and prevention against the spread of disease.

“Pig farmers have an obligation to use medicine responsibly and as needed to treat or prevent illness in pigs,” she said. “That’s why pig farmers also work closely with veterinarians to decide when and how to use antibiotics to protect a pig’s health.”

In a concerted effort to address antibiotic-related issues this year, Sleezer said the board’s three-point plan of action focuses on research, education and communication, which he added would shape educational outreach to pig farmers, share information with the retail and food service industries and inform pork consumers. Currently, the NPB is:

•Establishing a blue ribbon panel on antibiotics, an outcome of the pork checkoff’s stewardship plan announced this June. The new third-party panel includes seven experts with specific experience and knowledge in antibiotic practices or consumer marketing, but who are independent of NPB practices.

•Educating America’s pig farmers on new FDA rules for the use of medically important antibiotics (to treat human illness) in feed and water, and investing up to $400,000 in education and awareness programs to ensure pig farmers understand and adopt these new guidelines.

•Investing more than $750,000 in new research projects that span distinct priorities intended to provide data for animal and public health outcomes (i.e., pig health/welfare, human health/safety, environmental impact and pork quality).

•Sharing the innovation of today’s production practices and efforts to responsibly use antibiotics with food chain partners and other important stakeholders. In November, meetings were held with animal health companies, packers and processors and retail and foodservice leadership.

“Our efforts are focused on sharing a story of innovation and excellence in pork production,” Sleezer said. “Our farmers are experts in animal care and sustainable farming.”

Chris Hodges, NPB CEO, noted, “That’s why we work closely with various groups in the food chain and why we’re reaching out to consumers with information about how antibiotics are used on the farm. It’s all part of our responsibility to build consumer trust in pork production.”

The entire infographic can be viewed at www.porkcares.org under the “Our Practices” tab.