Consumption of antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals in New Zealand, a measure of progress in reduction from 2015 to 2022.

Aims: To describe progress in the reduction of the consumption of antimicrobial drugs by food-producing animals in New Zealand to 2022 and to identify the animal production sectors where progress has been greatest, and those where opportunities remain.

Methods: Data were sourced from official government and industry reports to update previous estimates of consumption (as sales) of antimicrobial products applied to food-producing animals in New Zealand, European countries and the USA. Antimicrobial consumption (AMC) was estimated based on the amount of active ingredient sold, per kg of animal biomass standardised to the probable weight at time of treatment or lifetime mean weight but not slaughter weight (population correction unit; PCU). This methodology is widely used for international comparisons.

Results: The estimated gross consumption of antimicrobials in food-producing animals in New Zealand increased steadily from 2005 to 2013 (from 7.54 to 11.28 mg/PCU). From 2014 to 2018 the estimate flattened to a 5-year rolling mean of 10.40 mg/PCU. In 2019-2021 the consumption dropped. The NZ consumption in 2022 was substantially lower, estimated at 5.84 mg/PCU, 29% less than in 2005 and 45% less than the peak that occurred in 2017.

Conclusions: The use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals in New Zealand is at the lowest rate for nearly 20 years, at 5.8 mg/PCU. Key progress has been made particularly by the poultry industry. Clear future areas to be targeted include prophylactic use of intramammary products applied when drying off dairy cows and a more widespread strategic use in treatment of clinical mastitis.

Clinical Relevance: Veterinarians in New Zealand should leverage the significant reduction achieved in AMC by food-producing animals by continuing to improve strategies for antimicrobial use to further reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.