Farmers' efforts key to progress in EU's fight against antimicrobial resistance
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has just released its annual report on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals, and food in the European Union (EU) for 2020/2021. The report provides an overview of the AMR situation in the EU, highlighting the key findings and trends observed in the 2020 – 2021 period.
One of the most significant findings of the report is the progress that has been made in the fight against AMR. Specifically, the report notes that there has been a reduction in the use of antibiotics in animals, which is a major driver of AMR. The reduction was most notable in poultry and pigs, which are the two main livestock species in the EU. Between 2011 and 2020, the overall consumption of antibiotics in animals in the EU decreased by 34.6%.
The report also highlights a decrease in the use of critically important antimicrobials (CIAs) in food-producing animals. CIAs are antibiotics that are considered critically important for human medicine, and their use in animals is a major concern as it can lead to the development of resistance that can be transferred to humans. Between 2011 and 2020, the use of highest priority CIAs decreased by 41% in food-producing animals in the EU.
These reductions are significant achievements in the fight against AMR as they indicate that efforts to reduce the use of antibiotics in animals and improve hygiene practices in food production are having a positive impact. Additionally, the prevalence of resistant bacteria in certain types of food, such as chicken meat and pig meat, has decreased. For example, the prevalence of Salmonella that is resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics decreased from 14.6% in 2016 to 9.5% in 2020 in chicken meat. Similarly, the prevalence of MRSA in pig meat decreased from 9.2% in 2015 to 4.4% in 2020.
The findings of the report reveal that farmers have played and will continue to play a significant role in contributing to the progress made in reducing antimicrobial resistance in animals. They have made notable efforts to reduce the use of antimicrobials, which is a major contributor to the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. By improving animal husbandry practices, implementing biosecurity measures, and using vaccines to prevent disease, farmers have successfully reduced the need for antimicrobial treatment. Additionally, farmers have worked closely with veterinarians to ensure that antimicrobials are used only when necessary and in a responsible manner.
Moreover, farmers have also made considerable efforts to improve animal health and welfare, which has helped reduce the need for antimicrobial treatment. They have provided proper nutrition, improved housing conditions, prevented stress, and implemented vaccination programs to maintain the health of their animals. By conducting regular health checks and participating in quality assurance programs, farmers have significantly improved the health and welfare of their animals. These measures have not only reduced the need for antimicrobial treatment but have also made a considerable contribution to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Furthermore, farmers have participated in surveillance and monitoring programs to track the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in animals. They have also implemented good hygiene practices in animal production systems to reduce the spread of resistant bacteria. By taking these steps, farmers have promoted the responsible use of antimicrobials while ensuring that their animals are healthy and free from disease.
Though there is still much work to be done, this report highlights the significant progress that has been made in the fight against AMR. Reductions in the use of antibiotics and critically important antimicrobials in animals, as well as reductions in the prevalence of resistant bacteria in certain types of food, are clear signs that the efforts to tackle AMR are having a positive impact. The contribution of farmers to these achievements cannot be understated, as they have played a key role in reducing the use of antimicrobials in animals and improving animal health and welfare.
Find the full report, including the plain language summary here.