ANTIMICROBIAL USE IN LIVESTOCK IN ISRAEL

In the last two decades the concept of "One Health" has increased in its importance and awareness. One of the most concerning topics associated with `One Health` is the use of antimicrobial drugs in animals and human beings and the development of resistance. Several previous studies (Chantziaras et al. 2013) and reports (NARMS 2014, DANMAP 2014, ESVAC 2014) tried to estimate the contribution of the animal sector to this problem, while in Israel, a complete study was never performed previously.

A cross-sectional study was performed to quantify antimicrobial products in use in the Veterinary field during 2014. Using these data, we aim to demonstrate the correlation of antimicrobial use to the development of antimicrobial resistance in animals from various sectors in Israel.

Data regarding antimicrobial use were actively collected from the official veterinary drug wholesalers in Israel, concentrating at imported and manufactured active antimicrobial components in 2014. We calculated the overall use in Israel per Population Correction Unit (PCU) and compared it to European countries. Corresponding collection of data regarding antimicrobial resistance is still underway.

Preliminary results demonstrate high use of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP) and coccidiostats in Israel, which is comparable to their use in the US but significantly higher than European countries. The use of other antibiotics in animals in Israel is comparable to their use in European countries. We can conclude that these results are directly correlated to regulation in Europe concerning the ban of AGP since 1997 and obligatory surveillance systems practiced in these countries (Zoonoses Directive 2003/99/EC), as opposed to Israel and the US.