In sows, which factors are associated with higher antimicrobial use in Finland?
Across 48 Finnish herds, antimicrobial use in sows varied widely and was associated with herd size, herd type, and internal biosecurity score, without establishing causality.
Across 48 Finnish herds, antimicrobial use in sows varied widely and was associated with herd size, herd type, and internal biosecurity score, without establishing causality.
Problem: Even in a country with relatively low antimicrobial use, use can vary markedly among sow herds.
Methods: The authors analyzed 2022 Sikava registry data from 48 Finnish herds, quantifying antimicrobial use as mg/PCU and examining herd characteristics, welfare, and biosecurity.
1. Median antimicrobial use was 21.9 mg/PCU, ranging from 0.3 to 178.5, and penicillin was used in 92% of herds.
2. Locomotory disorders accounted for 34% of treatments, followed by udder disorders at 20%, reproductive disorders at 12%, and skin disorders at 11%, and use was higher in large herds than in smaller herds.
3. Higher internal-biosecurity scores were associated with higher antimicrobial use, but this observational study does not show that improving biosecurity causes increased antimicrobial use.
Original publication
Ahlqvist K, Munsterhjelm C, Holmström A-R, et al. Antimicrobial use in sows in Finland and its association with herd characteristics. Porcine Health Management. 2025;11:39.