Sales of livestock veterinary antibiotics in the UK have more than halved since 2014 as farmers play their part in reducing antimicrobial resistance. Maisie Tinwell reports.
The government’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has confirmed sales of antibiotics for use in livestock were at the lowest ever recorded level, with a 55 per cent reduction since 2014.
Antibiotic usage in turkeys, broilers and ducks was down 81 per cent, 72 per cent and 89 per cent respectively compared to 2014.
The UK remains one of the lowest users of antimicrobials in Europe and has achieved one of the biggest reductions in resistance, with VMD chief executive Abigail Seager putting the success down to the ’collaborative and voluntary approach’ UK farmers have taken.
The sale of ‘last resort’ antibiotics critical to treating disease in humans (HP-CIAs) has also declined for a seventh consecutive year, with a concerted effort into decreasing their usage resulting in an 83 per cent reduction since 2014.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said: “The UK as a whole is making sustained progress in reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics through effective disease control measures, good farming practices and robust AMR surveillance.”
Surveillance was essential for monitoring emerging risks, and the UK’s voluntary approach to collecting antibiotic use data and target setting is an example of government, industry and veterinary professionals working collectively to achieve effective antibiotic stewardship.
Responsible use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) chair, Cat McLaughlin, said many sectors were reporting positive progress towards RUMA’s 2021-2024 antibiotic targets.
“I continue to be impressed by the commitment of farmers, vets and everyone in the food supply chain, and am full of praise for the work of UK agriculture in its efforts to tackle AMR.”
