Veterinary antimicrobials in Europe’s environment: a One Health perspective

The EU-27 has seen a 28% decrease in antimicrobial use for farmed animals and aquaculture between 2018 and 2022. Member States aim to reduce sales by 50% by 2030. However, knowledge gaps exist regarding antimicrobial residues, resistant bacteria, and AMR genes in Europe’s environment. AMR-resistant infections cause over 35,000 deaths annually in the EU. Improved monitoring of antimicrobials in European waters can help measure effectiveness and identify pollution hotspots. EU Member States should further reduce antimicrobial use in food-producing animals to prevent their release into the environment.