Reduction in sales of farm antibiotics positive but no time for complacency, vets say

Two new reports published this week (18 November) show overall reductions in the sale and use of veterinary antibiotics on farms, with some livestock sectors recording their lowest ever use, as well as encouraging signs in the reduction of antimicrobial resistance in animals.  

The Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance and Sales Surveillance (VARRS) Report, published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), and the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) Targets Task Force 2 report, show a 57% overall decrease in antibiotic sales for livestock since 2014, making it the lowest ever to date, and retaining the UK’s position as one of the lowest prescribers of veterinary antibiotics in Europe. 

Sales of highest priority, critically important antibiotics, which have been designated by the World Health Organisation as antibiotics crucial for treating disease in people, show an overall 84% reduction since 2014. 

BVA Junior Vice President Dr. Gwen Rees, who chaired the online launch of the reports, said:  

“Both the VARSS and RUMA reports show continued progress through the collaborative work being done by farmers, vets and governments to steward antibiotic use on farms and tackle the threat of antibiotic resistance for animals and people. The UK remains among the lowest prescribers of veterinary antibiotics in Europe, but we mustn’t get complacent. 

“We’re encouraging and supporting vet professionals to work closely with farmers to maintaining low usage of antibiotics so that these important medicines remain viable in the future.”  

BVA’s policy position on the responsible use of antimicrobials in food producing animals can be viewed here.

BVA members can download and refer to this handy 7-point plan poster for guidance on responsible antimicrobial use in veterinary practice.