UK pig sector exceeds targets with 75% reduction in antibiotic use

This latest milestone represents and overall reduction of 75% in antibiotic use since 2015, which has been accomplished through the collaborative efforts of farmers, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders.

According to the latest figures, a significant reduction of 20% in antibiotic use for treating pigs on farms was achieved in 2022 alone, giving emphasis to the industry’s dedication to protecting the health and welfare of pigs.

Moreover, data collected by AHDB using the electronic Medicine Book (eMB), representing approximately 95% of pigs slaughtered in the UK, shows that antibiotic use in 2022 stood at 70mg/PCU, down considerably from 87mg/PCU in 2021.

Commenting on the figures, Dr Grace Webster, chair of the Pig Health & Welfare Council Antimicrobial Use Subgroup, said:

“This year’s significant reduction in antibiotic use on the UK’s pig farms takes the sector below the TTF2 target and in part, reflects the extended use of Zinc Oxide manufactured before the withdrawal of its marketing authorisation which the VMD authorised up to the end of the Shelf Life of that product.

This has avoided an anticipated rise in antibiotic use to treat Post Weaning Diarrhoea in 2022 but as supplies run out in the coming months, this may still be an issue that vets and pig producers are yet to face.”

AHDB Pork Sector Council member and National Pig Association chair, Robert Mutimer, hailed the collaborative efforts of British pig producers and vets, and remarked on the impressive accomplishment of surpassing antibiotic use target in the face of well-known difficulties affecting the sector.

Dr Mandy Nevel, head of Animal Health & Welfare at AHDB, also commented on the work demonstrating a responsible approach to antibiotic use. She added:

“The extensive data set collated over the last eight years has provided robust evidence of progress and has helped vets and farmers work collaboratively to make changes on farm and monitor that progress.

“The eMB was an industry initiative facilitated by the Pig Health and Welfare Council and over the last eight years, champions of the system, both farmers and vets, have led the industry on the road to responsible antibiotic use. It is wonderful to see what the industry collective can and has achieved.”

The eMB provides a comprehensive overview of antibiotic use in the sector, enabling the industry to identify opportunities for optimising individual antibiotic usage. Quarterly data submissions in accordance with Red Tractor and QMS requirements and are analysed by AHDB.

The data is then shared with key stakeholders including the Pig Veterinary Society, National Pig Association, Pig Health and Welfare Council, RUMA, Veterinary Medicines Directorate.