December 12, 2022

Recent regulation in Spain to moderate use of antibiotic use in livestock

A recent regulation in Spain will establish a national reference value for antibiotic use, which will be defined according to the species and livestock classification.

The regulation aims to establish a framework for action to achieve sustainable use of antibiotics in all livestock farms, including aquaculture farms, with the exception of farms for own consumption and small farms.

With the national reference value, the farm use of antimicrobials has a value to approximate to, and measures should be considered according to the percentage by which farms exceed this limit. This should be done on the basis of recommendations of the farm veterinarian and the execution by the owner.

The Central Computerized System for the Control of Veterinary Antibiotic Prescriptions (PRESVET) now allows the farmer to obtain data on antibiotic use on their farm, which is needed to begin to address the problem of antimicrobial resistance as soon as possible. This information will help farm owners and veterinarians be aware of their relative position in antibiotic use and to have time to plan measures to reduce use where necessary.

- MAPA (Spain)