The latest findings, published in the new Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance and Marketing Surveillance (VARRS) report, highlight the country’s continued leadership across Europe in responsible antibiotic management in agriculture.
Commenting on this achievement, Baroness Heyman, Minister for Biosecurity, Borders and Animal Welfare, said:
“We remain committed to leading the global fight against antimicrobial resistance and maintaining our position as one of the countries with the lowest use of veterinary antibiotics across Europe, so that future generations can benefit.”
Significant reductions will strengthen public health and food security
The continued decline in the use of veterinary antibiotics is being hailed as a positive step for public health, food security and the economy as a whole.
Reducing usage will help slow the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, one of the most pressing global health threats, and preserve the effectiveness of critical medicines.
Experts have warned that more than 39 million deaths between now and 2050 could be directly attributable to bacterial AMR unless strong countermeasures continue.
10 Years of Progress Documented with New Monitoring Data
The VARRS report published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) shows the UK has reduced sales of livestock antibiotics by 57% over the past decade, ranking it as the country with the lowest number of veterinary antibiotic prescriptions in Europe.
This year’s report is particularly notable for presenting 10 years of clinical surveillance data, providing a clearer long-term picture of resistance trends.
A clear decline in antimicrobial resistance has been observed in most animal species monitored.
These patterns closely reflect the reduction in on-farm antibiotic administration and the reduction in AMR detected in healthy animals at slaughter.
VMD CEO Abbi Seger added: “This year’s report shows that with the continued efforts of veterans and farmers across the UK, we can make real progress in the fight against AMR.
“Overall use of antibiotics in livestock remains at the lowest levels and, importantly, use of the most important antibiotics for human health remains at extremely low levels.
“This is reflected in the results of our AMR surveillance program and provides an encouraging picture of AMR reduction in animals.”
First year results of the National Action Plan on AMR
The 2024 report coincides with the first year of the UK’s latest National Action Plan on AMR (2024-2029), which aims to accelerate progress in reducing resistance.
The findings show promising momentum toward achieving the plan’s goals and highlight industry-wide collaboration between farmers, veterinarians, and regulators.
Improving companion animal management
Efforts to reduce the use of veterinary antibiotics in pets are also gaining attention.
Sales for dogs and cats continue to decline, supported by efforts to fill critical data gaps in pet AMR surveillance.
A new pilot project between VMD and SRUC is currently collecting baseline AMR data from healthy cats and dogs, paving the way for a potential national surveillance system.
Sector performance: highs, lows, and areas for action
Aquaculture showed strong progress, with trout and salmon farms reporting the lowest levels of antibiotic use on record. Resistance levels across the poultry sector also remain generally low.
However, this report highlights several areas that require renewed focus. Despite decreased antibiotic use in broiler chickens, E. coli resistance unexpectedly increased, but resistance to all-important antibiotics and multidrug resistance did not.
Meanwhile, the use of veterinary antibiotics is increasing in the pig and game bird sectors, indicating that further concerted efforts are essential to maintain the declining trend.
Ongoing national efforts
The latest VARRS findings highlight the UK’s continued efforts to protect the effectiveness of veterinary antibiotics.
With evidence that reduced usage is directly related to lower levels of resistance, this country’s approach is delivering tangible results and setting an influential example of sustainable antibiotic management around the world.
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