Data_Sheet_2_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（AMR）的浮现，众多国家正推行限制性法规以降低动物生产中的抗菌药物使用（AMU）。尽管这些措施在国家层面上效果显著，但其执行过程中可能对生产者和兽医产生诸多挑战。本研究旨在探讨在加拿大魁北克省乳制品产业中实施一项限制人类健康高度重要抗菌药物使用的新法规所面临的障碍与促进因素。通过对十五位兽医和二十七位乳制品生产者进行个别访谈，并基于行为改变COM-B模型（能力-机会-动机-行为）进行主题分析。研究发现，替代治疗方案的可获得性不足、诊断测试相关的长期延误以及对经济后果的恐惧是实施法规的主要障碍。少数生产者亦认为该法规对动物的健康与福祉产生了负面影响。此外，参与者认识到，早期教育与培训的重要性，以更好地理解法规的目的并提高其可接受度。最后，多数参与者报告称，他们在法规实施后不仅减少了高度重要的人类健康抗菌药物的使用，而且增加了农场上的预防措施。本研究揭示了在动物生产中实施限制性法规以降低AMU可能在实际操作中导致多种挑战。我们的研究结果强调了在未来的法规实施前后，对生产者和兽医进行更好沟通与培训的必要性，并凸显了衡量这些法规对生产力、动物健康与福祉的直接和间接影响的重要性。