The use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine in Germany saw a slight uptick in 2024, according to the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL). The agency reported a total of 562 tons of antibiotics distributed to veterinarians and other recipients, marking a 6.4% increase (34 tons) compared to the previous year. Despite this rise, the figures reflect a significant 67% decline since data collection began in 2011, signaling the effectiveness of Germany’s efforts to curb antibiotic use in animals. However, the increase in certain critical antibiotics raises concerns, as global fears of antibiotic resistance continue to grow, threatening both human and veterinary medicine.
Breakdown of Antibiotic Distribution
In 2024, the largest share of antibiotics distributed in veterinary medicine consisted of penicillins (222 tons) and tetracyclines (113 tons), followed by sulfonamides (62 tons), macrolides (53 tons), aminoglycosides (37 tons), and polypeptide antibiotics (31 tons). These patterns align with previous years, with penicillins and tetracyclines consistently dominating due to their broad approval for use across multiple animal species.
Among antibiotics classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as critically important for human medicine, polypeptide antibiotics, such as colistin, reached their lowest distribution level since 2011, dropping by 7.4% to 31 tons. In contrast, fluoroquinolones saw a slight increase of 0.2 tons (3.5%), and third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins rose by 0.1 tons (4.4%). These upticks, though small, are notable because these drugs are vital for human treatments, and their use in animals could accelerate the spread of resistant bacteria.
Context and Challenges of Antibiotic Resistance
The rise in antibiotic use, though modest, comes against the backdrop of a global crisis in antibiotic resistance. Resistant bacteria and genes can transfer between humans, animals, and the environment, posing a significant threat to public health. Germany has implemented measures to promote responsible antibiotic use, including mandatory reporting of veterinary antibiotic distribution since 2011. These efforts have led to a substantial long-term reduction, with 2024 levels remaining far below the 1,700 tons recorded in 2011.
However, the 2024 increase highlights ongoing challenges. Since 2023, legal changes have expanded data collection to include antibiotics supplied not only to veterinarians but also to pharmacies, veterinary authorities, and universities. This broader scope limits direct comparisons with pre-2023 data, as the inclusion of new recipients may partly explain the reported rise. A reliable trend analysis will require additional years of data under the new framework.
Implications for Policy and Practice
Germany’s measures to reduce antibiotic use in veterinary medicine, such as stricter regulations and monitoring, have proven effective in maintaining relatively low levels compared to the early 2010s. The decline in polypeptide antibiotics, critical for human medicine, is a positive signal. However, the slight increases in fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins underscore the need for continued vigilance. These antibiotics are often reserved for severe human infections, and their use in animals must be carefully managed to prevent resistance development.
The BVL’s data, recorded in the Veterinary Medicines Distribution Register (TAR), cannot be broken down by animal species, as most antibiotics are approved for multiple species. This limits insights into whether the rise is driven by specific sectors, such as poultry, swine, or cattle farming. Nonetheless, the figures reflect Germany’s commitment to balancing animal health with the global fight against antibiotic resistance.
Outlook: Sustaining Progress Amid Global Concerns
The slight uptick in veterinary antibiotic use in 2024 does not yet indicate a reversal of Germany’s long-term success in reducing reliance on these drugs. However, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between treating animals and preserving antibiotic effectiveness for humans. As resistance continues to spread globally, Germany’s expanded monitoring and regulatory framework will be critical in identifying trends and adjusting policies. The coming years will reveal whether the 2024 increase is an anomaly or a signal of new challenges in the ongoing battle against antibiotic resistance.
(This report is based on data from the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety and broader analyses of antibiotic resistance trends. Further developments are being monitored.)
References
- BVL: Antibiotika-Abgabemengen 2024
- BVL: Vergleich der Abgabemengen der Wirkstoffklassen 2011–2024
- BVL: Vergleich der regionalen Antibiotika-Abgabemengen 2011 und 2024
Note: Links are sourced from the provided material and direct to official BVL data or the press release. Readers are encouraged to verify details through these sources.
