Figures collected using the electronic medicine book (eMB) show that antibiotic use in 2018 dropped by a further 16% on 2017 figures to reach 110 mg/PCU, edging closer to the 2020 industry target of 99 mg/PCU.
Significantly, the use of critically important antibiotics (CIAs) has also seen a decrease. Use of CIAs is recorded at 0.06 mg/PCU of which, Colistin, represents only 0.004 mg/PCU.
This year’s success may be attributed to several factors. Red Tractor added antibiotic recording in eMB into its pig standards, AHDB developed a new benchmarking tool in eMB and the wider industry has continued to improve biosecurity.
Mandy Nevel AHDB’s senior veterinary manager, said: “The latest reductions in antibiotic use in the UK pig sector reflect the great efforts of pig producers and their vets to champion responsible antibiotic use.
“As we approach the target set by the UK pig industry, it is important that producers work with their vets to ensure further reductions don’t compromise animal welfare. Antibiotics are a vital tool that enable vets to control disease in pigs and early treatment, where appropriate, is essential to ensure welfare.”
eMB’s benchmarking function allows producers to benchmark themselves against other producers with similar production systems. This has enabled producers to understand their own patterns of use and, alongside their vets, make informed decisions around animal treatments, including antibiotic use.
Angela Christison, AHDB’s pork strategy director, added: “This is really positive progress and demonstrates the relentless commitment from the sector to use antibiotics responsibly.”
