OIE Reports Global Progress on Antimicrobial Use

A new report by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) shows there has been global progress on the regulation and monitoring of antimicrobial use in animals. OIE shows there has been global progress on the regulation and monitoring of antimicrobial use in animals. The report is based on a voluntary data collection system – developed by the OIE – on the use of antimicrobial agents in animals, which any country can contribute to. The latest report presents findings from global and regional analysis from 2015 to 2017. A record 155 countries participated – something the OIE noted demonstrates an increased international understanding and prioritization of the issue. Findings show the reported use of antimicrobials for growth promotion has declined from 60 to 45 countries since the last round of data collection. The remaining 110 did not use any antimicrobial agents for growth promotion in animals in their countries, with or without legislation or regulations. Of the 45 countries that reported the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters, 27 said they do not have a regulatory framework. Despite general progress on responsible use, key antimicrobials that are classified by the WHO as 'Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials' – including colistin, a 'last resort' antibiotic – continue to be routinely used in several regions for growth promotion.