ESVAC

The European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) project collects information on how antimicrobial medicines are used in animals across the European Union (EU). This type of information is essential to identify possible risk factors that could lead to the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance in animals.

Reports (updated)

The Agency published the first report from this project in September 2011 covering the period 2005 to 2009. The report contains harmonised data of sales in nine EU countries.

The number of countries contributing to the project has increased since then, with the latest report covering 2012 including information from 26 countries from the European Economic Area (EEA). These countries account for approximately 95% of the food-producing animal population in the region.

The latest report shows that sales of antibiotics for use in animals fell overall by 15% between 2010 and 2012 in Europe.

• Trends in the sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in nine European countries: Reporting period 2005-2009
• Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 19 EU/EEA countries in 2010
• Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 25 EU/EEA countries in 2011
• Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 26 EU/EEA countries in 2012

The reports will be used by risk assessors and risk managers in Member States to inform antimicrobial policy and the responsible use of antimicrobials.