ISSUE FOCUS 46 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE January 2023 Antimicrobials were formerly used in animal production for growth promotion and disease prevention, resulting in high usage levels. Significant measures to reduce antimicrobial use in animal production such as restrictions and bans have been implemented in many regions. These measures have resulted in a dramatic drop in antimicrobial use to below human health consumption levels. Antimicrobial use is directly correlated to the level of antimicrobial resistance. As antimicrobial use decreases so does antimicrobial resistance. Some health challenges, such as the COVID pandemic, clearly demonstrate the importance of a considered, global response. Maintaining high levels of human and animal health is possible because we have access to highly effective antimicrobial products for the treatment of bacterial infections. However, rising levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are amplifying concern over the long-term efficacy of antimicrobials. Through a growing understanding of the link between antimicrobial use and the level of AMR, the global farming industry has implemented various measures to reduce antimicrobial use. The success of these measures and efforts is proudly presented here. ANTIMICROBIAL CONSUMPTION BY FARM ANIMALS DECREASED Efforts by various European countries have resulted in the reduction of antimicrobial use. The third joint inter-agency report published in 2021 by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control provides an integrated analysis of antimicrobial agent consumption and the occurrence of AMR in bacteria from humans and food-producing animals. Data used in the report was gathered from 27 European countries between 2016 and 2018. GLOBAL SUCCESS TO REDUCE ANTIMICROBIAL CONSUMPTION IN FARM ANIMALS Nataliya Roth Portfolio Manager Microbiome Modulators DSM Animal Nutrition and Health Figure 1. Population-weighted means of the total consumption of antimicrobials in humans and food producing animals in the EU/EEA
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