Sales of antibiotics for livestock is at lowest level since record started
22nd November 2024
Sales of antibiotics for food-producing livestock remain at a 59% reduction since 2014, Defra has just announced.
Multi-drug resistance in UK animals remains at its lowest level since reporting started a decade ago, as shown in a report published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
Sales of antibiotics of highest critical importance to human health remain at extremely low levels, accounting for less than half a percent of total veterinary antibiotic sales, Defra added.
This year’s report marks 10 years of collecting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data from pigs and poultry in the harmonised monitoring programme, and for the first time reports on AMR levels in sheep, beef and dairy cattle.
Huge global challenge
Defra said that AMR is a “huge global challenge”, affecting human and animal health, food security and economic growth.
It occurs when bacteria and other microorganisms evolve to resist antimicrobial drugs like antibiotics, rendering these treatments less effective or even ineffective in animals and people.
New estimates show more than 39 million deaths directly attributable to bacterial AMR will occur between now and 2050. Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic usage in humans and animals is crucial to slowing the development of antibiotic resistance.
Continued collaboration helps maintaining progress
UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “This year’s UK-VARSS report demonstrates how continued collaboration is helping to maintain progress in the responsible use of antibiotics, thereby stemming the AMR tide.
“It is crucial that we continue to work with our farmers and vets as well as our counterparts internationally on tackling this One Health risk.”
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