Analysis of sales of antimicrobials used in veterinary medicine in Poland compared to Europe

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to public and animal health, and its progression is closely linked to the use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine. In Europe, programmes such as the European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) and subsequently European Sales and Use of Antimicrobials for Veterinary Medicine (ESUAvet) monitor and attempt to reduce the consumption of antimicrobials in food-producing animals. The study analyses the trends in the volume and sales structure of veterinary antimicrobials in Poland in 2011–2023 and compares them with data reported by other European countries. Material and Methods: The analysis was based on data from ESVAC reports (2011–2022) and the first ESUAvet report (2023), as well as data from the European Medicines Agency’s Antimicrobial Sales and Use Platform. The data were evaluated by antimicrobial class, pharmaceutical form and Antimicrobial Advice Ad-hoc Expert Group (AMEG) categories, the latter being A (avoid), B (restrict), C (caution) and D (prudence). Results: While total sales of veterinary antimicrobials in Europe decreased by 48.0% between 2011 and 2023, in Poland they increased by 19.5% during the same period. In Poland, the predominance of AMEG category D antimicrobials persisted, although their share declined from 79% to 64% with a concurrent increase in sales of category C. The sales structure shifted significantly towards oral solutions, replacing oral powders. Penicillins became the dominant antimicrobial group in the later years, while tetracyclines sales declined. Conclusion: The Polish trend diverges from the European one of reducing veterinary antimicrobial consumption. To align with EU reduction targets, Poland should strengthen antimicrobial stewardship, tighten prescription control and promote preventive measures such as vaccination and higher biosecurity within the One Health framework.