95973 - The Impact of Drugs and Contaminants on Animal Production

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students have learned the principles of proper drug use and the problems related to environmental contaminants. In particular, they are aware of the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) deriving from antibiotics use, as well as the negative effects of toxic substances on livestock. Students are able to assess the risks for both animals and consumers, the effects on the environment and the economic impact deriving from drugs and contaminants.

Course contents

The following topics will be addressed:

• Antimicrobial resistance: mechanisms of resistance, transmission to animals and humans
• Prudent drug use in veterinary medicine and relative European regulations
• Contaminants (both of anthropic and natural origin) in animal production systems
• Risks for consumers related to residues of drugs and contaminants in food
• Impact of drugs used in animal production on the environment

Readings/Bibliography

Lectures slides

Scientific papers

Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria from Livestock and Companion Animals [Edited by Frank Møller Aarestrup, Stefan Schwarz, Jianzhong Shen, and Lina Cavaco], 2018, American Society for Microbiology, Washington, DC

Animal feed contamination: effects on livestock and food safety [Edited by Johanna Fink-Gremmels], 2012, Woodhead Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Teaching methods

The course will be organized in frontal lessons (both in presence and online) and practices in groups, including laboratory and flipped classroom activities. A game-based learning platform will be used as a tool to encourage student's involvement and interaction.

If possible, external experts will be invited to give seminars on relevant topics.

Assessment methods

This module is part of the integrated course “Clinical and pharmacological issues in intensive animal production”, which also includes “Prevention and monitoring of metabolic diseases in intensive animal production”. At the end of the two modules, a test consisting of 30 multiple choice questions will be planned, allowing to verify the knowledge of the student on all the topics covered during the integrated course. The examination will last 60 minutes, each correct answer gives 1 point.

Students can enroll themselves to the test using the online system Alma Esami (http://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm). In case of failure, students may sit the exam again after at least three weeks.

Teaching tools

Slideshow presentations

Videos

Interactive quiz system

Lab equipment and instruments located in the chromatography-mass spectrometry laboratory

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Barbarossa