The latest RUMA Targets Task Force 2 (TTF2) progress report has been released, which summarises the fourth year of progress against the current set of antibiotic use targets which span 2021-2024.
The RUMA Agriculture TTF Report highlights that 2023 has been another year of great effort and commitment from across UK livestock sectors in the responsible use of antibiotics; national usage figures remain low and largely unchanged from last year and the long-term AMR surveillance work carried out by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) shows multi-drug resistance in animals is at its lowest level in a decade.
While most sectors have achieved or surpassed their targets, a handful have seen increases in usage which has been in response to disease outbreaks, lack of availability of key vaccines, environmental impacts, and in some cases, a combination of all three.
The figures published in the latest UK-Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance and Sales Surveillance (VARSS) Report show that antibiotic sales in food-producing animals remained at 25.7 mg/kg which maintains the 59% reduction since 2014. Meanwhile, sales of antibiotics which are the most critically important in human health only account for less than half a percent of total sales.
RUMA Agriculture chair, Cat McLaughlin, said: “These latest results from both the VARSS Report and in our RUMA Targets Task Force Report demonstrate that the collaborative, voluntary efforts over the past decade from the UK farmed animal, bird and fish sectors in addressing AMR are clearly paying off.
“The fact that AMR continues to decline with multi-drug resistance in animals at an all-time low should be applauded and should reassure everyone that the work on responsible use and stewardship is making a real and tangible difference.
“I have no doubt that as RUMA starts to plan for our third cycle of targets (TTF3) over the coming year, these latest results will undoubtedly give everyone the ongoing confidence and focus to build on what is already done and be as ambitious as possible as we drive forward our efforts to continue to tackle AMR and protect the efficacy of antibiotics; all with the common goal of helping to save the lives of animals and humans.”
Abigail Seager, chief executive of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, added: “I welcome this important report highlighting the continued efforts of the UK’s animal health sectors, working closely with government, to implement effective antibiotic stewardship in animals to tackle the global issue of antimicrobial resistance.
“This year’s UK-VARSS results, especially the record lows in antimicrobial resistance in animals, are testament to the UK’s farmers’ and vets’ on-going commitment to improved and responsible antibiotic use. VMD welcome the progress being made by many individual sectors as highlighted in RUMA’s new Targets Task Force update report.
“I look forward to seeing the next iteration of industry targets in 2025, as they will play a key role in achieving the One Health outcomes of the UK’s new NAP on AMR (2024-2029).”
