Unprecedented Data Collection on Antimicrobials in Veterinary Medicine

For the first time, a unified effort has brought together all 27 EU member states, alongside Iceland and Norway, to compile and share data concerning both the commercial distribution and practical application of antimicrobials in animal populations. This collaborative endeavor has culminated in the inaugural european Sales and use of Antimicrobials for Veterinary Medicine (ESUAvet) annual surveillance report. The data, focusing on the year 2023, marks the initiation of a recurring process that will yield annual reports, providing a continuous stream of information.

Sales Data: A Focus on Food-Producing animals

The report highlights that a meaningful majority,approximately 98%,of all antibiotics sold for veterinary purposes within the EU are intended for use in food-producing animals. Within this category, penicillins emerged as the most frequently sold antimicrobial class, followed by tetracyclines and sulfonamides. This concentration on food-producing animals underscores the importance of responsible antimicrobial stewardship in agriculture.

The AMEG (Categorisation of Antibiotics for use in animals for prudent and responsible use) classification system, developed by an expert group convened by the EMA, provides a framework for understanding the appropriate use of these antimicrobials. According to this system, approximately 65% of total EU sales for food-producing animals corresponded to substances that belong to category D (which should be used as first line treatments, whenever possible), 29% corresponded to category C (which should be considered only when there are no antibiotics in Category D that could be clinically effective), and 6% corresponded to category B (which are critically significant in human medicine but use in animals should be restricted to mitigate the risk to public health). This categorization is crucial for promoting judicious use and minimizing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Usage Data: A Collaborative Effort with Veterinarians at the Forefront

The data regarding antimicrobial usage encompassed four primary food-producing animal species: cattle, pigs, chickens, and turkeys. Veterinarians played a pivotal role in this data collection process, serving as the exclusive data providers in 16 of the reporting countries. The remaining 13 countries utilized a broader range of sources, including pharmacies, feed mills, farmers, breeders, and retailers, in addition to veterinarians.

While this marks the first instance of EU-wide data collection on antimicrobial use, the report acknowledges that many countries are still in the process of setting up or improving data collection systems for antimicrobial use. Consequently, the data shared for 2023 was deemed insufficient for comprehensive quantitative analysis. However, Member states are actively working to strengthen their data collection systems, with the goal of enhancing accuracy and coverage in future reports. This collaborative spirit is evident in the support and guidance offered by countries with established data collection systems to those still developing their infrastructure.

the Antimicrobial Sales and use (ASU) Platform: Building on Past Success

The ESUAvet report is a direct outgrowth of the European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) project, a voluntary collaboration between national authorities and the EMA. Over a 12-year period, ESVAC successfully gathered reliable sales data across Europe. This initiative led to a significant 50% drop in sales of veterinary antibiotics…thanks to the collective efforts of countries who provided the data and developed national strategies to encourage responsible use and also to practitioners and farmers in the field. This success paved the way for a more formalized and expanded system.

recognizing the value of this initiative, EU legislation has mandated data collection on both the sales and use of antimicrobials in animals. Member states now report their data to the EMA thru the ASU Platform, a centralized system designed to standardize and streamline the data collection process.This platform ensures consistency and comparability across different countries, facilitating more accurate trend analysis.

Future Implications: Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance

The data compiled in the annual ESUAvet reports, gathered via the ASU Platform, will provide valuable insights into antimicrobial consumption patterns in animals. This enhanced understanding will empower decision-makers to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance and implement targeted measures to safeguard both animal and human health across Europe. As stated in the report, the data will help to identify trends in antimicrobial consumption in animals more accurately and with more granularity, enabling decision-makers to address the increasing complexity of antimicrobial resistance and to take appropriate measures to protect both animal and human health in Europe.

Current Landscape: A Steady Decline in Antimicrobial Sales

Recent data indicates a significant reduction in antimicrobial sales for veterinary use across Europe. Between 2011 and 2022, sales decreased by 53%, reaching the lowest level ever reported. This decline reflects the continent’s commitment to mitigating AMR risks. ([ema.europa.eu](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/consumption-antimicrobials-animals-reaches-lowest-level-ever-europe?utm_source=openai))

Projected Trends: Continued Reduction and Strategic Focus

Looking ahead, it’s anticipated that antimicrobial sales will continue to decline, aligning with the European Union’s Farm to Fork Strategy, which aims for a 50% reduction by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. By 2022, EU Member States had already achieved over half of this target, demonstrating significant progress. ([ema.europa.eu](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/veterinary-regulatory-overview/antimicrobial-resistance-veterinary-medicine/european-surveillance-veterinary-antimicrobial-consumption-esvac-2009-2023?utm_source=openai))

Challenges Ahead: Balancing Animal Health and AMR Mitigation

While reducing antimicrobial use is essential, it’s imperative to balance this with the need to maintain animal health and welfare.Over-reduction could lead to increased disease prevalence, affecting both animal and public health.Therefore, a nuanced approach is necesary to ensure that reductions do not compromise animal well-being.([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/92670b8d-c660-4719-9127-5e68c6357247?utm_source=openai))

Innovative Strategies: Embracing Alternatives and Enhancing Surveillance

Future strategies should focus on developing and implementing alternatives to traditional antimicrobials,such as vaccines,probiotics,and bacteriophages.Additionally, enhancing surveillance systems will be crucial to monitor antimicrobial usage and resistance patterns effectively. This data-driven approach will inform policy decisions and promote responsible antimicrobial use. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/92670b8d-c660-4719-9127-5e68c6357247?utm_source=openai))

Collaborative Efforts: A Unified Approach to Combat AMR

Addressing AMR requires a collaborative effort among veterinarians, farmers, policymakers, and the pharmaceutical industry. Sharing best practices, conducting joint research, and aligning on standards for antimicrobial use will strengthen the collective response to AMR challenges. ([fve.org](https://fve.org/veterinary-antibiotics-are-used-prudently-in-the-eu-antibiotic-sales-for-animals-more-than-halved-in-last-10-years/?utm_source=openai))

Did You Know?

In 2022, the consumption of veterinary antimicrobials by food-producing animals in the EU fell by 28% compared to 2018, surpassing half of the 50% reduction target set for 2030. ([eea.europa.eu](https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/european-zero-pollution-dashboards/indicators/antimicrobial-consumption-in-food-producing-animals?utm_source=openai))

Pro Tips for Veterinarians and Farmers

• Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Adopt vaccination programs to reduce reliance on antimicrobials.
• Regularly monitor and record antimicrobial usage to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Engage in continuous education on responsible antimicrobial use and emerging alternatives.

FAQ: Understanding Antimicrobial Use in Veterinary Medicine

What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

AMR occurs when microorganisms evolve to resist the effects of drugs that once killed them or inhibited their growth, making infections harder to treat.

Why is reducing antimicrobial use in animals critically important?

Reducing antimicrobial use in animals helps prevent the advancement and spread of AMR, ensuring that these drugs remain effective for both animal and human health.

What are some alternatives to traditional antimicrobials?

Alternatives include vaccines, probiotics, prebiotics, and bacteriophages, which can definitely help prevent infections and reduce the need for antibiotics.

How can veterinarians and farmers contribute to reducing AMR?

By implementing strict biosecurity measures, adopting vaccination programs, and monitoring antimicrobial usage, they can significantly reduce the risk of AMR.

Stay Informed and Engaged

To stay updated on the latest developments in antimicrobial use and resistance, consider subscribing to reputable veterinary journals, attending industry conferences, and participating in workshops focused on responsible antimicrobial use.