Antimicrobial use in poultry flocks in Austria between 2013 and 2019
2021
Griesbacher, Antonia | Schließnig, Harald | Weber, Stefan | Fuchs, Klemens
Background: The increase in bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials—often selected for a high level of antimicrobial uses (AMUs) in human beings or food‐producing animals—is a global concern. The Austrian Poultry Health Service (QGV) has established a database containing comprehensive information on poultry flocks in Austria. Methods: AMU in 32,411 broiler flocks and 2946 turkey flocks between 2013 and 2019 is analysed by calculating different metrics, including the treatment incidence TI₁₀₀₀. Furthermore, the Austrian benchmarking system for poultry is introduced. Results: Annual AMU in broilers decreased from 1030.8 kg of active ingredient to 762.5 kg between 2013 and 2016 but rose again to 1165.0 kg in 2019; while for turkeys annual AMU dropped from 1196.4 kg to 569.0 kg between 2013 and 2019. At the same time, the proportion of treated flocks decreased from 34.2% to 24.8% for broilers and from 54.3% to 44.0% for turkeys. In both broilers and turkeys, the most frequently used antimicrobial class, according to the TI₁₀₀₀ unit, in broilers and turkeys is polymyxins. Conclusion: Calculating different metrics enables a deeper insight into AMU. Total AMU reduced without legislation but the increase of AMU in broiler production needs further investigation.
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