NZ: Monitoring the potential for antibiotic resistance

An MPI report released looks at trends of antibiotic use to enable monitoring of the potential for antibiotic resistance in food-producing animals and companion animals.

MPI Deputy Director-General Standards, Carol Barnao says the report on antibiotic sales analysis from 2009-2011 noted that overall the use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine and horticulture appears to have decreased by 19%.

“We understand that this reduction is largely attributable to positive changes in production animal management in the pig, poultry and dairy industries. These industries have reported a move towards non-antibiotic preventative treatments like vaccination and changes to on-farm practices to decrease their antibiotic use,” she says.

The analysis also revealed areas that will need further review. These include the increased use of: injectable tylosin in cattle; third and fourth generation cephalosporins in production and companion animals; and the reported marketing and choice of antibiotics which appear to be based on convenience rather than what may be the most appropriate therapeutic choice.

“As a result of this information, MPI will gather further information and look at controls around the marketing and use of antibiotic products to determine they effectively manage risks associated with antibiotic resistance,” says Ms Barnao.

In addition, the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) and industry groups such as NZ Pork and the Poultry Industry Association New Zealand (PIANZ) have published guidance for the prudent use of antibiotics within industry, and further guidance and updates from NZVA is in progress.