Slight Increase in Veterinary Antibiotic Use in Germany, Raising Concerns Amid Global Resistance Fight
The use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine in Germany saw a slight uptick in 2024, according to the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL). The agency reported a total of 562 tons of antibiotics distributed to veterinarians and other recipients, marking a 6.4% increase (34 tons) compared to the previous year. Despite this rise, the figures reflect a significant 67% decline since data collection began in 2011, signaling the effectiveness of Germany’s efforts to curb antibiotic use in animals. However, the increase in certain critical antibiotics raises concerns, as global fears of antibiotic resistance continue to grow, threatening both human and veterinary medicine. Breakdown of Antibiotic Distribution In 2024, the largest share of antibiotics distributed in veterinary medicine consisted of penicillins (222 tons) and tetracyclines (113 tons), followed by sulfonamides (62 tons), macrolides (53 tons), aminoglycosides (37…
