The Take Care program encourages producers and their veterinarians to follow specific principles and guidelines to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance. Whether antibiotics are used for treatment, prevention, or nutritional efficiency, pork producers and their veterinarians should carefully consider the issue of antimicrobial resistance and the potential impact for their particular situations. Producers, veterinarians and other food chain contributors who participate in Take Care stand by five common principles.

1. Take appropriate steps to decrease the need for the application of antibiotics.
2. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of all uses of antibiotics.
3. Use antibiotics only when they provide measurable benefits.
4. Complete the Pork Quality Assurance program and fully implement the management practices described for responsible use of animal health products into daily operations.
5. Follow the Take Care Responsible Use Guidelines.

For more information on Take Care, the Take Care Responsible Use Guidelines, and how to be involved, please refer to the National Pork Board Web site.

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