A Hopeful Decrease in Global Antimicrobial Use

A groundbreaking report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) highlights a promising 5% decline in antimicrobial use among animals worldwide from 2020 to 2022. This encouraging trend, unveiled in the latest Antimicrobial Agents Intended for Use in Animals (AMU) Report, marks a significant step forward in raising awareness and combating the overuse of these critical medications in agriculture.

Still a Long Road Ahead Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Despite this positive movement, experts warn that the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is far from over. The AMU Report, which covers 71% of global animal biomass and data from 157 countries, underscores both progress and the urgent need for further reforms, especially as detailed contributions came from 111 nations.

Misuse of Antimicrobials: A Continued Risk

For years, antimicrobials were misused to not only treat infections but also to spur growth in livestock—a practice widely discredited today. Scientific research confirms that this misuse plays a pivotal role in fostering AMR, where bacteria evolve and resist essential treatments. Although WOAH's international guidelines discourage such practices, alarming data shows that 22% of reporting countries still engage in growth promotion with antimicrobials, including those deemed critically important for human health.

Regional Insights and Species-Specific Trends

In a notable first, the latest AMU Report breaks down data from the Middle East and differentiates between terrestrial and aquatic food-producing animals, offering unprecedented insights. While the global average antimicrobial use decreased from 102 mg/kg to 97 mg/kg, significant regional disparities emerged. For example, Europe witnessed a dramatic 23% drop, whereas the Middle East shockingly increased its usage by 43%, albeit from a minimal baseline.

The Urgent Need to Combat AMR

Antimicrobial resistance presents a looming global health crisis. In 2022, it directly contributed to 1.15 million human deaths, and projections suggest this figure could surge to 38.5 million by 2050 if we don’t change course. The misuse of antimicrobials for productivity gains rather than treating infections is at the core of this issue, posing risks to both animal welfare and human health.

Building Momentum for Change

Amid rising concerns, international discussions are ramping up. In September 2024, UN member states adopted a political declaration aimed at curbing antimicrobial use in agriculture. This commitment emphasizes investing in infection prevention, improved surveillance, and data-driven strategies to tackle AMR effectively.

Data-Driven Solutions Are Key

Central to these efforts is WOAH's global database, ANIMUSE, which compiles national data on antimicrobial usage. This valuable information helps policymakers identify trends, target problem areas, and make informed decisions to foster healthier livestock and consumers.

A Shift Towards Prevention

The pathway to success involves adopting better animal husbandry practices, robust biosecurity measures, and preventive healthcare strategies, such as vaccinations. These practices not only reduce reliance on antibiotics but also enhance overall animal welfare and farm productivity.

A Call for Collective Action

While the recent decline in antimicrobial use among animals signals progress, the battle against antimicrobial resistance is far from finished. Strong collaboration among governments, farmers, veterinarians, and global organizations is crucial. Through coordinated, science-based strategies, we can safeguard both animal and human health and ensure the responsible, transparent, and sustainable use of antimicrobials in agriculture.