New Zealand Food Safety says New Zealand is making progress in the fight against anti-microbial resistance, with sales of veterinary and horticultural antibiotics falling for the seventh consecutive year.
The latest antibiotics sales figures for plants and animals, released today in New Zealand Food Safety’s annual Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis report, are a clear sign that antibiotics are being more carefully used, said Deputy Director-General, Vincent Arbuckle.
“Antibiotics are essential for the treatment of bacterial infections in humans, animals and plants. If they are not used carefully, and in the prescribed amounts, we run the risk that bacteria will develop resistance to the drugs, which could have devastating effects on our health and economy,” said Mr Arbuckle.
“The falling sales are a result of a concerted effort by veterinarians, farmers, industry and New Zealand Food Safety to ensure these life-saving medicines are used appropriately so they work as intended.”
The report evaluated 18 classes of antibiotics sold during 2024 for use for farm animals, pets, and horticulture.
“Since a 2017 peak of 71,361kg, total antibiotic sales have dropped to 37,858kg in 2024. That’s an impressive 47% decrease,” says Mr Arbuckle.
“Additionally, results show a 4% drop since 2023.”
As part of ongoing work to ensure the continued effectiveness of antibiotics, New Zealand Food Safety is reviewing the regulatory oversight of antibiotics used on plants and animals.
“This extensive piece of work, which involves reassessing and reclassifying hundreds of antibiotic products, has been divided into 4 tranches. Tranche one has been completed with tranche 2 in progress.”
“We also work closely with the Ministry of Health and international regulators in an effort to manage AMR,” says Mr Arbuckle.
View New Zealand Food Safety’s annual Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis report.
