-1740653386.jpg "Henri Sannier: “I have a rare disease, but I wage war on a daily basis”")
Veterinarians and breeders reduced their use of antibiotics by 37% between 2012 and 2016. They use fewer drugs that are essential for human health.
Animals raised in France swallowed fewer antibiotics in 2016, according to the results of the 2012-2016 ECOANTIBIO plan implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture. Agnès Buzyn Minister of Health and Stéphane Travert, Minister of Agriculture indicated that “the quantified objectives of reducing the use of antibiotics have not only been achieved but largely exceeded. “
In 2016, 530 tonnes of antibiotics intended for veterinary use were used in France, indicates ANSES (National Agency for Food and Environmental Safety). A volume of drugs decreased by more than 41% compared to 2011. An “excellent” assessment which contrasts with that of use in city medicine and in hospitals. While France is below the European average for veterinary use, it climbs to 3e rank of the podium when it comes to human consumption.
Progress in all farms …
Between 2012 and 2016, exposure to antibiotics in livestock and domestic animals fell by 37% to a target of -25%. Since 2005, this exposure has been reduced by almost half. Good news observed in cattle (-24%), pigs (-41%), poultry (-43%) through cats and dogs (-19%).
Better still, the antibiotics deemed “critical” for human health are consumed less by animals. The use of the latest generation cephalosporins fell by 81%, and that of fluoroquinolones by 75% compared to 2013.
The monitoring of colistin, a drug of last resort to which resistance is beginning to emerge, is also improving. In 2016, animal exposure decreased by 55% compared to 2011. Cattle and pig farms, major users of this antibiotic, have had a lighter hand. In just one year, they managed to reduce their usage, respectively, by 43% and 52%.
… To be maintained over time
Bacteriological analysis by ANSES laboratories will make it possible to determine whether the reduction in the use of these precious drugs is accompanied by a reduction in the phenomena of antimicrobial resistance.
“This tremendous advance is the fruit of everyone’s mobilization. It proves that when the objectives are shared, the collective dynamic even makes it possible to exceed them ”, welcomed Stéphane Travert.
The Minister of Agriculture will now have the heavy task of making his efforts a reality during the second ECOANTIBIO 2017-2021 plan. Veterinarians and breeders will benefit from new training courses on the rational prescription of antibiotics and on other means of controlling infectious diseases.
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