March 7, 2011

The Netherlands lessens usage of antibiotics in livestock

In 2010, the Netherlands lessened its usage of antibiotics on its livestock by more than 12%, according to sales figures by companies that are part of FIDIN (producers and importers of animal drugs).

According to FIDIN, these figures are in line with the aim of the Dutch government to decrease antibiotic use by 20% in 2011, compared to 2009. In 2013, the reduction compared to 2009 should be 50%. The total volume of antibiotics sold in 2010 was 455 tonnes. Since 2007, a reduction is being observed.

The figures from FIDIN do not split the antibiotic sales per animal species. This will be possible with the new veterinary information system, VetCIS.