The European Court of Auditors (ECA) has recommended that the European Commission works with countries to develop monitoring systems for the farm-level usage of veterinary medicines.

As part of a special report on how the EU is addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), auditors found despite progress in the animal sector AMR remained a health threat.

About 33,000 people die each year in the EU from infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

New rules

New rules for veterinary medicines are due to come into force across the EU in 2022. These measures seek to reduce the use of antimicrobials, particularly in medicated feed, and enhance surveillance data from farms.

However, auditors found on field visits to four countries (Sweden, Germany, Netherlands and Spain) that collecting farm-level data was a major challenge. For this reason, it recommended the Commission support countries in developing data collection systems.

About 33,000 people die each year in the EU from infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria

The Commission is currently exploring options to provide such support. The auditors recommended it be through financial support and by defining minimum requirements.

Reduction

The report noted the improvement in the prudent use of veterinary antimicrobials. Their use in food-producing animals fell by 20% between 2011 and 2016.

While there was an overall reduction, large differences remain between the lowest- and the highest-consuming countries. Antimicrobial usage in Cyprus is almost 40 times greater than that of Sweden.

Sweden has the lowest rate of veterinary antimicrobial consumption in the EU. The auditors found a focus on animal health, welfare and biosecurity made a significant contribution to this.

Infection prevention and control plans are also mandatory for all farms.

Threat

“Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to public health,” said Nikolaos Milionis, the member of the ECA responsible for the report.

“While there has been some progress on veterinary issues, the European Commission, together with the member states, need to further step up their efforts to tackle this growing threat.”