Antibiotic sales drop by 15 per cent
Public health authorities across the globe are facing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Sales of veterinary antibiotics fell by 15 per cent between 2010 and 2012, according to a new report by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
David Mackay, head of EMA's veterinary medicines division said the findings are "highly welcome", however further research is needed to determine the main reasons behind the decline.
Data was provided by 20 European countries over a period of two years. Of these, 18 reported a fall in sales of veterinary antibiotics, ranging from 0.4 per cent to 49 per cent.
While the figures have been welcomed by the EMA, Mr Mackay said there is scope for further declines.
"Measures to promote the rational use of antibiotics in animals need to continue as part of the European Commission's action plan against antimicrobial resistance."
Member states attribute the decline to a number of different factors, including increased awareness of antimicrobial resistance, restrictions on certain drugs and national programmes and campaigns on using antimicrobials responsibly.
Also cited were fluctuations in the size and types of animal populations and reduction targets for the use of antimicrobials in animal production in certain member states.
Data on sales of antimicrobials is collected annually as part of a project by the European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption, which launched in 2010. Gathering information on the sale and use of antimicrobials is essential for informing policies on appropriate use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals.
Public health authorities across the globe are facing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Earlier this year the Prime Minister commissioned an independent review to tackle the problem, warning: "If we fail to act, we are looking at an almost unthinkable scenario where antibiotics no longer work and we are cast back into the dark ages of medicine where treatable infections and injuries will kill once again... That simply cannot be allowed to happen."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
