Antibiotics : veterinary use continues to fall

robert_g/epictura

Published the 06.10.2017 to 17h42

A A

Keywords :

antibiorésistanceantibiotiquevétérinaireélevage

Animals bred in France have swallowed fewer antibiotics in 2016, according to the balance sheet of the plan ECOANTIBIO 2012-2016 implemented by the ministry of Agriculture. Agnès Buzyn minister of Health and Stéphane Travert, minister of Agriculture indicated that ” the targets of reducing the use of antibiotics are not only met but widely exceeded. “

In 2016, 530 tons of antibiotics for veterinary use have been used in France, indicates the Anses (national Agency of sanitary security of food and environment). A volume of the drug declined by over 41% compared to 2011. A balance sheet “excellent,” which contrasts with the use in medicine of the city and to the hospital. While France is below the european average for veterinary use, it ranks at the 3rd place of the podium with regard to human consumption.

Progress in all of the farms…

Between 2012 and 2016, the exposure to antibiotics of farm animals and domestic has dropped by 37 % to a target of – 25 %. Since 2005, this exposure has decreased by almost half. A good news is observed in cattle (-24%), pigs (-41 %), poultry (-43%) from cats and dogs (-19 %).

Better, the antibiotics judged to be “critical” for human health are less consumed by the animals. The use of cephalosporin antibiotics of the latest generation has fallen by 81 %, and that of fluoroquinolones of 75% compared to 2013.

The monitoring of colistin, a drug of last resort to which resistance is beginning to emerge, also present a slight improvement. In 2016, the exposure of the animals has decreased by 55 % compared to 2011. The rearing of cattle and pigs, the major users of this antibiotic, have been more mild. In just one year, they have managed to reduce their use of, respectively, 43 % and 52 %.