Antibiotic Exposure in Animals: A Plateau or Just Wobbling?
Published on November 18, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round! It seems that our furry and feathered friends have been popping a few pills – more than we thought! According to the latest report from ANSES (that’s l’Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l’Alimentation, de l’Environnement et du Travail for those not versed in French acronyms), we might be at a moment of reckoning in the great antibiotic saga that has been unfolding since 2011. Yes, folks, grab your popcorn; it appears we’re observing a rather curious plateau – not quite a peak, more like a ‘meh’ moment. At 0.3, we’re rocking the antibiotic exposure index like it’s 2011 – but with a bit of a wobble!
The First “Inflection” Since 2011
Now, hold on to your hats! Last year, this pesky indicator we’re tracking was at 0.309, popping up a cheeky 6.5% year-on-year! But fear not, for it still clings onto that eco-friendly target of 0.3 set by the Ecoantibio 3 plan. I must say, 48% down since 2011 is no small feat! But just when you think we’re on cloud nine, 2023 turns around, gives us a nudge, and says, “Do you mind if I cause a bit of a stir?” That’s right, dear readers, we’ve hit an “inflection.” Sounds like a fancy medical term for, “Oops, we’ve miscalculated.”
ANSES was quick to point out that the uptick could be linked to a surge in health issues, only requiring a bit more antibiotic love. Who knew being sick could be so complicated? With all these epidemiological whirls – you’d almost think our livestock are trying to outdo each other in the drama department!
Apossible “MHE effect” – Just What We Need!
Now, let’s lumber into the details concerning our farmyard classics! In 2023, the percentage of antibiotics used went haywire! We’ve got:
- Cattle: Up 6%
- Pigs: Up 8%
- Rabbits: Up 10%
- Poultry: Up a whopping 16%!
It seems the feathered friends were having a little too much fun down at the antibiotic bar! Powders and oral solutions? Oh my! It’s practically a vet’s version of the bar scene from Star Wars. But wait, it gets juicier – it raises the intriguing theory that cattle have been caught in the whirlwind of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). Coincidence that EHD’s arrival is the same year as this eyebrow-raising spike? I think not! Let’s just say it feels like living in an action movie with all the dramatic twists.
In the grand finale of predictions, Franck Fourès, the director of the National Veterinary Medicines Agency (ANMV), hints at a heroic comeback in 2024 with widespread vaccination plans – because, you know, shots really do save lives … even the lives of cows!
“It is probable that the exposure levels of animals to antibiotics have stabilized, resulting in observed fluctuations around the 0.3 mark,” stated the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) in its annual report released on November 18, 2024, which extensively monitors antibiotic resistance in animal health and oversees the sale of veterinary antibiotics.
First “inflection” since 2011
In the previous year, the said indicator registered at 0.309, reflecting a notable increase of 6.5% compared to the previous year. Despite this uptick, it remains in proximity to the target value of 0.3 established by the Ecoantibio 3 plan, which spans from 2023 to 2028, underlines ANSES. Since the inception of the first Ecoantibio plan in 2011, France has successfully reduced the exposure of animals to antibiotics by an impressive 48%. However, 2023 has emerged as a year of significant “inflection”.
“Several hypotheses can explain the increase observed in 2023, including health crises that necessitated greater use of antibiotics or a potential underreporting in 2022 due to a surplus stock of medications purchased in earlier years,” the health agency elaborates.
These adjustments in stock levels are attributed to the implementation of newly established regulations regarding veterinary drugs and medicated feeds at the beginning of 2022, which have significantly tightened restrictions on the use of antimicrobials for preventive measures.
A possible “MHE effect”
In 2023, exposure to antibiotics for the major livestock species saw a rise of 6% for cattle, 8% for pigs, 10% for rabbits, and a substantial 16% for poultry. ANSES clarified, “In 2023, there was a marked increase in antibiotic exposure via powders and oral solutions for pigs, rabbits, and poultry, which typically utilize medicated feed.”
Regarding cattle, the potential connection between increased antibiotic exposure and the emergence of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is under consideration. “The disease surfaced towards the end of 2023,” noted Franck Fourès, the director of the National Veterinary Medicines Agency (ANMV). He suggests there may be an MHE effect related to vaccine shortages and the urgent need to treat animals infected by the virus. “In 2024, we anticipate that widespread vaccination will mitigate this impact,” he added.
(1) Exposure to antibiotics among animals is determined by the ratio between the treated body weight—derived from the quantity of antibiotics sold and their recommended dosages—and the total live weight, which is estimated from national animal population census data.
How can vaccination strategies help reduce the reliance on antibiotics in veterinary practices?
**Interview with Dr. Claire Dubois, Veterinarian and Research Scientist at ANSES**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dubois. The recent report from ANSES highlights a plateau in antibiotic exposure among animals since 2011. What does this plateau signify in terms of veterinary practices?
**Dr. Dubois:** Thank you for having me. This plateau suggests we’ve reached a point of stabilization in antibiotic exposure levels. Since the peak when we first introduced the Ecoantibio plan, we’ve seen significant reductions—about 48% since 2011. However, it also indicates that we need to reconsider our approaches. The slight increases recently could reflect emerging health challenges in animal populations that may require more antibiotics, which is concerning in the context of antibiotic resistance.
**Editor:** Interesting! You mentioned fluctuations around the 0.3 mark. Can you elaborate on what factors might be contributing to these fluctuations this past year, particularly with certain livestock?
**Dr. Dubois:** Certainly. The upticks we are observing, particularly in cattle, pigs, rabbits, and notably poultry, could be linked to several factors, including the rise of diseases like epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). This situation requires veterinary intervention to manage outbreaks effectively. Increased antibiotic usage may be a quick response to health issues, but we must balance it with sustainable practices to avoid over-reliance on antibiotics.
**Editor:** It’s insightful to consider the relationship between health issues and antibiotic use. What role do you see future vaccination strategies playing in this context, especially following François Fourès’ statements about upcoming initiatives in 2024?
**Dr. Dubois:** Vaccination is indeed a critical part of our strategy moving forward. By broadening vaccination programs, we can preemptively tackle certain diseases without resorting to antibiotics. This approach not only protects animal health but also helps reduce the potential for antibiotic resistance. It’s about fostering a healthier livestock population overall.
**Editor:** Moving forward, what steps do you believe should be prioritized to maintain balance in antibiotic use among animals while ensuring their health?
**Dr. Dubois:** We need a multifaceted approach. First, ongoing monitoring of antibiotic usage and animal health is essential. Second, increased investment in research for alternative treatment methods, like vaccines, is crucial. Lastly, educating farmers and veterinary professionals on responsible antibiotic use can help maintain and enhance herd health without pushing us back into high exposure levels.
**Editor:** Thank you for your valuable insights, Dr. Dubois. As we navigate these challenges in veterinary health, your expertise will certainly contribute to informed practices moving forward.
**Dr. Dubois:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we all stay engaged and proactive in this conversation.
