HEALTHY LIVESTOCK – A HEALTHY SOCIETY
When we talk about health today, we usually think of the human body, medicine, hospitals, and pharmaceuticals. However, the roots of public health are often overlooked. In reality, they begin on farms, pastures, livestock facilities, and in veterinary clinics. A healthy society is not defined solely by healthy people, but also by healthy animals, safe food, and responsible drug use. In this sense, the phrase “Healthy livestock – a healthy society” is not merely a slogan, but a vital reality.
Livestock farming is one of the fundamental economic and social pillars of any society. Meat, milk, eggs, and dietary products are integral components of everyday human nutrition. Yet we rarely reflect on the conditions under which these products are produced, the medications administered to animals, or the extent to which these processes are regulated. In fact, any issue related to animal health ultimately affects human health.
One of the most serious global challenges discussed in recent years is antibiotic resistance. This problem does not originate only in hospitals. On the contrary, one of its major sources is the uncontrolled and improper use of antibiotics in livestock farming. In some cases, antibiotics are administered not for therapeutic purposes, but to accelerate animal growth or as a preventive measure. As a result, bacteria adapt to these drugs, rendering commonly used antibiotics ineffective in humans. This poses a serious threat to public health.
Unfortunately, attitudes toward drug use remain problematic. Some livestock owners administer medications without consulting a veterinarian, relying on the belief that “this drug worked before.” In other cases, dosages are not followed correctly, and treatment courses are not completed. Most concerning is the failure to observe withdrawal periods before slaughter. Consequently, drug residues remain in meat and dairy products, which eventually reach the consumer’s table.
This is where the close interconnection between veterinary medicine and pharmacy becomes evident. While veterinarians are responsible for diagnosis and treatment, pharmacists ensure the quality, safety, and correct use of medicines. Without effective collaboration between these professionals, medications may cause more harm than benefit. Therefore, veterinary pharmacy is not merely a professional field, but a critical component of public safety.
Today, the market offers a wide range of veterinary medicines, but their quality varies significantly. The issue of counterfeit and substandard drugs is particularly alarming. Such products fail to treat animals effectively and may even worsen diseases. As a result, livestock mortality increases, productivity declines, and economic losses occur. More importantly, these drugs pose an indirect threat to human health. Thus, strict regulation of veterinary medicines is not only a professional responsibility, but a societal necessity.
The issue of healthy livestock is not limited to medication alone. It also encompasses proper husbandry, sanitation, disease prevention, and vaccination systems. Preventing disease has always been more effective and economical than treating it. However, in practice, preventive measures are often neglected, and problems are only addressed once diseases have progressed. This approach is neither economically viable nor beneficial for public health.
At the global level, the concept of “One Health” is becoming increasingly relevant. This approach views human, animal, and environmental health as a single interconnected system. Everything in nature is interrelated: when animals fall ill, humans are put at risk; when the environment is degraded, livestock become more vulnerable; and when medicines are misused, society suffers. Therefore, healthy livestock is not merely an agricultural issue, but a matter of national and global security.
Another crucial aspect is the training of specialists. Modern veterinary medicine and pharmacy require advanced knowledge, technology, and a strong sense of responsibility. However, the gap between theory and practice remains evident. Young professionals must be not only knowledgeable, but also ethical and conscientious. A single mistake can affect an entire chain—from livestock health to human well-being.
As a society, we must also recognize our responsibility. Chasing cheap products and choosing meat or dairy of questionable quality ultimately harms us. Where there is demand, supply follows. If consumers demand safe and high-quality products, producers will be compelled to meet these standards. This, in turn, encourages the production of healthy livestock.
In conclusion, building a healthy society requires more than doctors and pharmacies alone. The process begins on the farm, continues in veterinary clinics, and is reinforced through the pharmaceutical sector. Only when each link in this chain fulfills its role honestly and responsibly can we truly speak of a healthy society. Healthy livestock is not merely about animal welfare—it is a guarantee of the health of future generations.
