After the first agreement 2016-2020, this second 'Agreement on the responsible use of antibiotics in animals', drawn up between the Federal Government and the stakeholders for fighting antibiotic resistance was signed by the Minister of Agriculture David Clarinval, the Minister of Public Health Frank Vandenbroucke (representing the FASFC, the FPS Health and the FAMHP which they supervise according to their attributions), AMCRA and twenty-one different partners involved in antibiotic use in animals (agriculture organisations, veterinary associations and the Order of Veterinarians, pharma.be, the Belgian Feed Association, tender specifications managers and animal health associations).
David Clarinval, Minister of Agriculture:
“Antibiotic resistance is a major issue in human and animal health at world level. As far as agriculture is concerned, very positive results have been obtained: fighting antibiotic resistance and reducing antibiotic use in livestock were included in an action plan that has been implemented for several years. Therefore, it is essential to carry on reducing the use of all categories of antibiotics and to bundle these efforts with those made in the human health sectors.”
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a concern that puts a threat on human and animal health altogether and for which solutions must be found by both sectors. Rational use of antibiotics, indeed, is a common goal within the 'One Health' strategy. In 2016, the ministers and several sector partners set out very ambitious targets of reduction of antibiotic use in animals1 with the first 'Antibiotic Agreement'2 for the period 2016-2020. In 2019, the results obtained were encouraging with a cumulative reduction of the overall use of antibiotics by 40.3%, a reduction by 77.3% of the most critical antibiotics (3d and 4th generation fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins) and a reduction by 71.1% of medicated feed containing antibiotics (in relation to the reference year 2011).
To continue this cooperation that has proved to be efficient, a 'Second Agreement' for the period 2021-2024 was signed by the different actors who, along with the authorities, commit themselves to achieve new reduction targets3, while maintaining the use of critical antibiotics4 at a low level.
- a total maximum use of 60 mg/PCU by the end of 2024, which corresponds to a reduction by 65% in relation to 2011,
- reducing the use of colistin to maximum 1 mg/PCU by 2024,
- reducing the use of medicated feed containing antibiotics by 75% (in relation to 2011) before the end of 2024,
- achieving less than 1% of big antibiotic users (pigs, meat chickens, beef calves).
Next to those targets in figures, other non-numbered goals have been mentioned in the agreement, such as the development of an assessment method for the use of antibiotics in pet animals and the working out of a reduction pathway for a diminishing use of antibiotics in those species, too, based on verified evidence facts and in line with the reduction goals set out in the agreement.
The formal commitment of both ministers, of their administrations and their private partners as well, to carry on the fight against AMR and to implement actions to achieve such a reduction was materialised by the signing of this agreement.
The goals and actions scheduled have been integrated in the 'Belgian One Health National Action Plan against AMR', which is set out for all fields and all the remits involved in the fight against AMR and which is under validation.
Contact
Dr Fabiana Dal Pozzo – AMCRA coordinator+32 479 56 04 20
fabiana.dalpozzo@amcra.be
1 The reduction targets of the first Antibiotic Agreement correspond to the targets set out by AMCRA in its Vision 2020.
2 Agreement between the federal authorities and all partner sectors involved on the reduction of antibiotic use in the animal sector.
3 The reduction targets of the second Agreement correspond to the targets set out by AMCRA in its Vision 2024.
4 The target for the use of the most critical antibiotics is still 75% less with respect to 2011.
AMCRA is the knowledge centre on antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in animals in Belgium. The mission of AMCRA is to:
- prevent antibiotic resistance for protecting human and animal health and animal welfare as well;
- thrive for a rational reduction of antibiotic use and a sustainable policy on antibiotics in veterinary medicine in Belgium;
- analyse, communicate and raise awareness. For more information: www.amcra.be
The 'Agreement on the responsible use of antibiotics in animals, drawn up between the Federal Government and all stakeholders for fighting antibiotic resistance' was signed in January 2021 by the Federal Government, AMCRA, the sector organisations pharma.be, BFA, Registre AB, Landsbond Pluimvee, VEPEK, ABS, Boerenbond, FWA, the 'Conseil régional francophone de l’Ordre des Médecins vétérinaires', the 'Nederlandstalige Gewestelijke Raad van de Orde der dierenartsen', the veterinary associations UPV, VeDa, SAVAB-Flanders, the animal health associations ARSIA and DGZ, the managers of quality standard specifications Belbeef, Belplume, Belpork, BVK asbl, MilkBE and the sector guide Codiplan.
The BelVet-SAC report accounts each year for the sale figures of antibiotics in veterinary medicine (www.belvetsac.ugent.be). This information has been available since 2007 and was used by AMCRA and its partners to draw up the plan 'Vision 2020' and 'Vision 2024' and the reduction targets in veterinary medicine.
