The use of Colistin in pigs fell by more than 70 per cent in 2016.

RUMA publishes findings from new pig e-Medicines Book

The use of Colistin fell significantly in 2016, according to new figures collated by the British pig industry.

Published by RUMA, the figures show that use of the antibiotic in pigs decreased more than 70 per cent in 2016.

The announcement follows a preliminary analysis of data received via the new pig e-Medicines Book (e-MB), which was developed and launched by AHDB Pork last year.

Mandy Nevel for AHDB Pork says the news is important as Colistin use in humans has increased in recent years for the treatment of specific infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.

“This is why the European Medicines Agency has classified Colistin as a highest priority ‘Critically Important Antibiotic’ for the treatment of a number of human bacterial conditions, despite it being a very old drug,” she explains.
 
“But crucially, the regulators have retained access for animal use because it also has importance as a last-resort drug to safeguard welfare in livestock. It’s very positive to see the pig sector – vets and farmers together – responding to the responsibility of having continued access to this drug as a last resort and reducing use where possible.”

Welcoming the news, RUMA chair Gwyn Jones said the findings mean that once 2016 sales data are released, the UK may be one of the five lowest users of Colistin in Europe.

“We were looking for significant reductions in 2016 following the best practice guidelines issued by the Pig Veterinary Society at the end of 2015, but this has exceeded our hopes,” he said.
 
“It also follows hot on the heels of the announcement in February that prescribed antibiotics administered in feed for young pigs have halved, with more than two-thirds of that reduction taking place in 2016.
 
“This shows the pig industry is really engaging with this issue and making some very strong progress in reducing, refining and replacing antibiotics use.”

Further data from the e-MB will be made available later this year.