The use of antibiotics in farm animals continues to decline

In 2016, the use of antibiotics in Belgian livestock farming fell by 4,8 percent compared to the previous year. The use of so-called critical antibiotics was even reduced by 53 percent. With a minus of 29 percent, a significant decline in feed with added antibiotics was also registered. This emerges from the latest BelVet-SAC report (Belgian Veterinary Surveillance of Antibiotic Consumption).

While the use of antibiotics has fallen cumulatively by 2011 percent compared to the reference year 20, the proportion of antibiotics classified as critical was reduced by 56,1 percent and animal feed with antibiotic additives by 38,2 percent.

The strategy of Professor Jeroen Dewulf, chairman of the Belgian knowledge center "Surveillance of Antibiotic Consumption" (AMCRA), is therefore fully on track: "The results show that the package of measures of the various actors and authorities is taking effect. We are on course and are sticking to the ten-point plan approved in 2014. This aims to halve the use of antibiotics in livestock farming by 2020 and to reduce important antibiotics classified as critical by 75 percent. At the same time, by the end of 2017, the administration of the active ingredient in feed mixtures is to be reduced by 50 percent.”

Founded in 2012, the knowledge center AMCRA works hand in hand with the Belgian Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASNK), the Belgian Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices FAGG, scientific institutions, agricultural organisations, the pharmaceutical industry, the animal feed industry and the veterinary profession.

https://www.pers.vlam.be/de/pers/detail/5294/antibiotikaeinsatz-bei-nutztieren-sinkt-weiter