October 19, 2007

US animal antibiotics sale up while AGPs down slightly 

The volume of antibiotics sold for use in animals in the US increased in 2006, but those for promoting growth fell, continuing the trend for the last two years.

Total production for use in animals rose 8.2 percent, according to data provided by the research-based companies that produce animal medicines.

Last year 11,975 tonnes of antibiotics were sold for use in farm and companion animals, an increase from 11,067 tonnes sold in 2005.

Ionophores and tetracyclines, accounted for most of the increase. Ionophores are anti-microbials commonly fed to ruminants to increase feed efficiency while tetracyclines are used to treat respiratory infections.

The largest increase in production was for aminoglycosides ( rising 22.5 percent to 328,000 pounds), followed by sulfonamides and penicillin (rising 14.8 percent to 1.2 million pounds).

The largest group was composed of ionophores, arsenicals, bambermycin, carbadox, and tiamulin, which combined represents around 40 percent of total production. Ionophores and arsenicals are only developed for animal production.

The percentage of antibiotics used to enhance growth fell to 4.6 percent from 4.7 percent in 2005.

The antibiotic data were provided by members of the Animal Health Institute (AHI), consisting of companies that make medicines for pets and farm animals. Members include Schering-Plough, Pfizer, Intervet and a dozen other animal health companies.