The use of antibiotics in livestock production continues to be a hot topic with the threat of antibiotic resistance from superbugs. A new report indicates a reduction occurred even prior to the implementation of the VFD.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 18, 2017.
FDA released a 2016 summary report December 7, 2017 on “Antimicrobials Sold or Distributed for Use in Food Producing Animals.” A key finding in the report was antibiotic sales and distribution in the U.S. dropped 10% from 2015 to 2016 for food producing animals. Since FDA began collecting sales data in 2009, this is the first time that year-over-year sales of antimicrobials have declined.
INSIGHTS: While this trend is worth some celebration, animal health pros know that weather trends and seasonal promotions are not visible after a quick review of the summary report.