Reducing use and better monitoring can help combat antimicrobial pollution from livestock, fish farming according to new EEA briefing

The use of antimicrobial drugs in farm animals and aquaculture has decreased over recent years in Europe, however the on-going presence of antimicrobial residues still in the environment remains a hazard to ecosystems and human health, according to a recently published European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing.

Extended monitoring of antimicrobials in Europe’s waters may facilitate a better understanding of the effectiveness of strategies implemented to lower the use of antimicrobial medicines.  The EEA briefing: 'Veterinary antimicrobials in Europe's environment: a One Health perspective' states that such monitoring can identify pollution hotspots and provide a better overview of the possible impact on the environment as well as humans and animal health.

The brief examines the use of antimicrobials, widely used to prevent or treat infections in livestock and in aquaculture, and their effects on the environment. These antimicrobials can treat diseases in people and their pets, but at the same time: their use may also have a negative impact on the environment and human and animal health.

The EU recognises that there is a need to reduce use of antimicrobials in humans and animals. They have set a target to reduce their use in farmed animals and in aquaculture by 50% by 2030, based on 2018 levels. On a positive note - the use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals decreased by approximately 28% between 2018 and 2022. For EU member states to achieve the 2030 target, they will need to continue acting. The briefing notes that steps taken to reduce the use of antimicrobials, along with the need to use them in the first place, in line with the zero-pollution hierarchy, are crucial to thwart their release into the environment.