2024-09-06 15:06:57
Since 2015, a reduced resistance rate to the antibiotics azithromycin and sulfamethoxazole has been observed in fattening calves.
In Germany, too, a lot of antibiotics were used in livestock farming last year. Due to possible resistance and risks to public health, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is particularly critical of the use of so-called polypeptide antibiotics. “Further efforts are needed to further reduce this proportion,” says the BfR scientific report “Antibiotic consumption quantities and treatment frequency 2023”. The figures are not comparable with previous years due to a new calculation method, as the BfR writes.
Development of resistance
A total of 478 tonnes of antimicrobial agents were recorded, which are assigned to different classes of active ingredients. These include the so-called polypeptide antibiotics with 30 tonnes. They are among the antibiotics that are of crucial importance in human medicine and should therefore only be used to a limited extent in animals in view of the development of resistance.
Nevertheless, the BfR sees some positive developments. The resistance situation of E. coli bacteria in fattening pigs to some substances has improved significantly since 2015, the report states, referring to the antibiotics tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and cefotaxime. No increase in resistance has been observed for any substance. E. coli bacteria are found in the intestines of humans and animals. For the measurement, cecal samples are taken from slaughtered animals.
In fattening calves, a reduced resistance rate to the antibiotics azithromycin and sulfamethoxazole has been observed since 2015. There has also been no significant increase in resistance rates in these animals. For 2023, only data on fattening pigs and fattening calves were available. Data on fattening chickens and fattening turkeys should be available next year.
Relatively high levels of antibiotics in small piglets
In particular, suckling piglets – young piglets that are still to be suckled – are treated with antibiotics relatively frequently in some farms. However, a significant proportion of farms with suckling piglets get by with significantly lower antibiotic use – for the BfR an indication of considerable potential for improvement. Suckling piglets were included in the antibiotic minimization concept for the first time in 2023.
In Europe alone, tens of thousands of people die every year as a result of antibiotic resistance. This means that pathogenic bacteria can no longer be destroyed by an antibiotic. The excessive use of antibiotics in animal husbandry is considered to be one of the main causes of the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens.
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Antibiotic Resistance in Livestock: A Growing Concern in Germany and Beyond
As the world grapples with the escalating issue of antibiotic resistance, Germany has come under scrutiny for its high levels of antibiotic use in livestock farming. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has sounded the alarm, stating that “further efforts are needed to reduce” the use of antibiotics in agriculture. In this article, we will delve into the recent trends and developments in antibiotic resistance in Germany, highlighting the concerns and implications for public health.
The State of Antibiotic Use in Germany
According to the BfR’s recent report, “Antibiotic consumption quantities and treatment frequency 2023,” Germany saw a significant amount of antibiotic use in livestock farming last year. A staggering 478 tonnes of antimicrobial agents were recorded, with 30 tonnes attributed to polypeptide antibiotics. These antibiotics are particularly concerning, as they are crucial in human medicine and should be used sparingly in animals to prevent the development of resistance.
The Rise of Antibiotic Resistance
The BfR’s report highlights some positive developments in the fight against antibiotic resistance. In fattening pigs, for instance, there has been a significant improvement in resistance rates to certain antibiotics, including tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and cefotaxime, since 2015. Encouragingly, no increase in resistance has been observed for any substance.
Furthermore, in fattening calves, there has been a reduced resistance rate to antibiotics azithromycin and sulfamethoxazole since 2015. While this is a positive step, it is crucial to continue monitoring and reducing antibiotic use to prevent the resurgence of resistant bacteria.
Small Piglets: A Hotspot for Antibiotic Use
One area of concern highlighted in the report is the relatively high levels of antibiotic use in small piglets, also known as suckling piglets. These young animals are often treated with antibiotics frequently on some farms, which can contribute to the development of resistance.
The Implications for Public Health
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in agriculture have far-reaching consequences for public health. Antibiotic resistance poses a significant risk to humans, as it limits the effectiveness of treatments for bacterial infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development.
What Can Be Done?
To combat antibiotic resistance, it is essential to adopt a multi-faceted approach. This includes:
- Reducing antibiotic use: Implementing responsible antibiotic use practices in agriculture, such as using alternative treatments and improving farm hygiene.
- Monitoring and surveillance: Continuously monitoring antibiotic resistance rates and surveillance of antibiotic use to identify areas of concern.
- Developing new antibiotics: Encouraging research and development of new antibiotics to combat resistant bacteria.
- Improving infection prevention and control: Enhancing infection prevention and control practices in hospitals and healthcare settings to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Conclusion
Antibiotic resistance is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention and action. Germany’s high levels of antibiotic use in livestock farming are a concern, but the positive developments in resistance rates are encouraging. To protect public health, it is crucial to continue reducing antibiotic use, improving monitoring and surveillance, and developing new antibiotics. Only through a concerted effort can we combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
Keywords: antibiotic resistance, antibiotics, Germany, livestock farming, public health, BfR, sulfamethoxazole, azithromycin, polypeptide antibiotics.
