Data_Sheet_1_Barriers and facilitators to implementing a new regulation restricting antimicrobial use in dairy production in Québec, Canada: A qualitative study.PDF

With the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), many countries are implementing restrictive regulations to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU) in animal production. Although these measures are effective at the national level, their implementation may generate challenges for producers and veterinarians. The objective of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators of implementing a new regulation restricting the use of antimicrobials of very high importance for human health in the dairy production sector in the province of Québec, Canada. Individual interviews were conducted with fifteen veterinarians and twenty-seven dairy producers. Thematic analysis was performed based on the COM-B model of behavior change (capability-opportunity-motivation-behavior). Our results indicated that the lack of availability of alternative treatments, the long delays related to diagnostic tests and the fear of economic consequences were major barriers to the implementation of the regulation. A small number of producers also perceived that the regulation negatively impacted the health and wellbeing of their animals. Additionally, participants acknowledged the importance of early education and training to better understand the purpose of the regulation and increase its acceptability. Lastly, most participants reported that they had not only reduced their use of antimicrobials of very high importance for human health following the regulation, but they had also increased preventive practices on their farm. This study reveals that the implementation of restrictive regulations to reduce AMU in animal production can lead to multiple challenges in practice. Our results highlight the need for better communication and training of producers and veterinarians before and during the implementation of similar regulations in the future and underline the importance of measuring the direct and indirect impacts of those regulations on productivity and on animal health and wellbeing.

随着抗菌药物耐药性（antimicrobial resistance, AMR）的出现，多国正出台限制性法规以减少动物生产中的抗菌药物使用（antimicrobial use, AMU）。尽管此类措施在国家层面成效显著，但落地过程可能给养殖从业者与兽医带来诸多挑战。本研究旨在探究加拿大魁北克省乳品生产行业中，推行一项限制使用对人类健康具有极高重要性的抗菌药物的新法规所面临的阻碍与推动因素。研究对15名兽医与27名乳品养殖从业者开展了一对一访谈，并基于行为改变COM-B模型（能力-机会-动机-行为，capability-opportunity-motivation-behavior）开展主题分析。结果显示，替代治疗手段匮乏、诊断检测周期过长，以及对经济后果的担忧，是该法规推行的三大主要阻碍；另有少数从业者认为，该法规对其养殖动物的健康与福利造成了负面影响。此外，受访对象均认可提前开展教育与培训，有助于更好地理解法规初衷并提升法规接受度。最后，多数受访对象表示，在该法规实施后，他们不仅减少了对人类健康具有极高重要性的抗菌药物使用，还在养殖场中加强了预防性养殖措施。本研究表明，旨在减少动物生产中抗菌药物使用的限制性法规，在实际落地过程中可能面临多重挑战。研究结果凸显，未来推行同类法规前后，需加强对养殖从业者与兽医的沟通与培训；同时也强调，需评估此类法规对生产效率以及动物健康与福利带来的直接与间接影响。