Report notes fall in European antibiotic sales for animals
Between 2011 and 2015, the sales of antibiotics to treat animals fell by 13.4 per cent.
Sales of antibiotics for use in animals fell in most European countries between 2011 and 2015, according to a new report.
The report, published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), presents detailed sales data for the year 2015 and yearly changes in antimicrobial consumption dating back to 2010.
It reveals that between 2011 and 2015, the sales of antibiotics to treat animals fell by 13.4 per cent. The result covers 25 out of the 30 participating European countries that provided data.
The report also shows that the situation across Europe still varies. It notes a fall of at least five per cent in 15 countries. However, eight countries recorded an increase of more than five per cent.
The EMA said that, given the substantial decline in the sales of antimicrobials for food-producing species observed for some countries, there is also a potential for a decrease in others.
The report is the seventh of its kind produced by the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) project - a partnership between the national authorities throughout the EU that is coordinated by the EMA.
The project was launched in April 2010 following a request from the European Commission. The ESVAC report is issued every year and used by risk assessors and risk managers in the Member States as a reference or antimicrobial policies and for guidance on the responsible use of antimicrobials.
All data in the report are accessible in the ESVAC interactive database.
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. 
