In the latest report released by the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL), data show that overall antibiotic use by vets decreased by 1.5 percent (10.7 t) compared to 2018. This is the lowest level since 2011, the first year of the survey. In 2011, total usage exceeded 1,706 t and this total now sits at 722 t.

ISN reports that use of fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins of the 3rd and 4th generation also dropped below 2011 levels for the first time. These classes of drugs are of particular importance for human health.

ISN released the following statement: the regular BVL publications prove that the use of antibiotics in German livestock has fallen dramatically in recent years and has stabilised at a low level. This decline is also repeatedly confirmed by the evaluation results of the national antibiotics database and the QS antibiotics database. Behind the reductions are very complex hygiene and animal health concepts. The air for further minimisation is becoming increasingly thin and could be at the expense of animal welfare. That is not acceptable. This achievement, which animal owners and farmers have achieved together with their veterinarians, must finally be appreciated.

Read the full report here.