US authorities report 33% decline of antibiotics in food animal production
A 33% decline from 2016 to 2017 in the domestic sales and distribution of all medically important antibiotics used in food animal production was announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Last year was the first when medically important antimicrobials “were no longer allowed to be used for growth promotion and could only be obtained through a veterinarian’s order”, according to the statement released by the agency.
"While it’s impossible to completely outrace antimicrobial resistance, we can take important steps now to slow its pace and reduce its impact on both human and animal health", explained FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb.
The data looks even better when compared to 2015 results, a year when antimicrobials sold or distributed for use in food-producing animals where up by 41%. In fact, 2015 represents the peak year of sales/distribution since the FDA began issuing these annual reports (2009).
"These reductions are an indication that our ongoing efforts to support antimicrobial stewardship are having a significant impact. While I’m very pleased with the results of the report, and the efforts by all of our stakeholders thus far to improve antimicrobial stewardship, our work isn’t yet done when it comes to fighting antimicrobial resistance," added Commissioner Gottlieb.
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