Protecting antibiotic efficacy through innovation across the continuum of care
ZAVENTEM, BELGIUM – November 19, 2020 – Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) today pledged its support for World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2020, an initiative to encourage the prudent use of antibiotics in people and animals.
Commenting on the importance of the awareness week, Rob Kelly, Zoetis Executive Vice President and President, International Operations, said: “At Zoetis, we believe antibiotic medicines are a precious resource both for animals and people. By using them responsibly today, we will help protect antibiotic efficacy tomorrow.
“All around the world we see a change in thinking about antibiotics in livestock. We believe that it is essential that veterinarians and farmers have the right tools, including antibiotics, to treat their animals under the condition that they continue to use them responsibly.”
Jeff Watts, Zoetis Director, Antimicrobial Strategies, said: “As long as bacteria exist, we will continue to face challenges of bacterial infectious diseases. At Zoetis, we continuously focus our research on the biggest challenges facing animal health, including antibiotic resistance, and provide the most up-to-date guidance on optimal solutions to support veterinarians and farmers predict, prevent, detect and treat disease. We call this approach the continuum of care because it spans the entire spectrum of health solutions. These include genetic tests, digital innovation for precision farming, vaccines, diagnostics, new classes of antibiotics for veterinary use only, novel, and non-antibiotic anti-infective solutions.”
Detecting Diseases Earlier
Diagnostic solutions are proven tools to reduce the need for antibiotic treatment. For example, VETSCAN DC-Q, a diagnostic solution for dairy cattle can be conducted as an on-farm or in-clinic rapid test and performs leukocyte counts to detect subclinical mastitis at the quarter level. It has demonstrated a reduction in antibiotic usage in a randomized clinical trial when implementing the test in selective dry cow therapy.
The trial was conducted at the Maccarese farm in Italy, which was committed to increasing their sustainability efforts by reducing the use of antibiotics. “Thanks to the support of the Zooprophylactic Institute of Rome, and Zoetis, the implementation of a selective dry cow therapy had a tremendous impact on the Maccarese farm’s sustainability commitment. A recent study showed a 55% reduction in antibiotic need on the farm, with equal milk quality and performance of the cows thanks to selective dry cow therapy using Vetscan DCQ,” said Matteo Boggian, Farm Manager at Maccarese Farm, Italy.
Responsible Use of Antibiotics
For veterinarians, responsible use should include an understanding of the risks of antibiotic resistance and adherence to the principle of ‘as little as possible, as much as necessary’. Zoetis helps veterinarians select the most appropriate antibiotic for the animal and its bacterial disease following a diagnosis. The company also encourages veterinary professionals to give tailored instructions to the farmers on their use, including:
- timely treatment with the correct dose;
- the most effective way to administer the drug;
- the correct length of treatment;
- the correct period of post-treatment withdrawal.
Read more about Zoetis sustainability commitments and approach to protect antibiotic efficacy here.
About Zoetis
Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines, vaccines and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests and precision livestock farming. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2019, the company generated annual revenue of $6.3 billion with approximately 10,600 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.
DISCLOSURE NOTICES
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the current views of Zoetis with respect to: business plans or prospects, expectations regarding products, and other future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actions. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if management's underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Zoetis expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, including in the sections thereof captioned “Forward-Looking Statements and Factors That May Affect Future Results” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our Current Reports on Form 8-K. These filings and subsequent filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.zoetis.com, or on request from Zoetis.
Notes to editors
In 2020, in order to combat AMR the European Commission (via Directorate-General for Health & Consumers) WHO developed a five year and 12 track Action Plan, for both human and animal health, calling for different initiatives that range from surveillance systems to research efforts.
- Pisoni , G. (2018), ‘Italian Qscout MLD (milk Leukocyte differential): Field Experience’, NMC, The 2018 International Bovine Mastitis Conference, Zoetis Symposium: Future Challenges in Udder Health Management, Milan, Italy, 11 13 June 2018