February 8, 2022

EU veterinary drug legislation enacted to keep antimicrobial resistance in check

A new revised EU veterinary drug legislation was put in place last month, as part of efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Adopted three years ago, the legislation, which came into force on January 28, is a cornerstone for achieving objectives set out in the European One Health Action Plan and the Farm to Fork strategy against antimicrobial resistance.

The legislation reinforces the European Union's leading role on the global stage of action against AMR.

Within the Farm to Fork strategy, the EU has set an ambitious target: to halve overall antimicrobial sales in the region for animal husbandry and aquaculture by 2030.

With the One Health action plan, the EU wants to address this potential health crisis by considering humans, animal and plant health as a whole. The new rules will be key to achieving this as these will ensure that treatment of animals with antimicrobials is only carried out when strictly necessary.

Additionally, the legislation on medicated feed will prohibit its use as a preventative measure and limit its prescription, significantly strengthening the fight against AMR.

- European Commission