EEA aims to cut antimicrobial use in farmed animals

The European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing emphasises the environmental and health risks posed by residual antimicrobials from aquaculture and livestock farming. Despite a 28% reduction in antimicrobial use in these sectors between 2018 and 2022, persistent residues continue to affect ecosystems and contribute to antimicrobial resistance, which causes over 35,000 human deaths annually in the European Economic Area. The briefing advocates for expanded monitoring to better assess and manage these risks, aligning with the EU's goal to halve antimicrobial use by 2030 and supports a One Health approach to address this multidimensional challenge. (EEA)