Denmark exceeds antibiotics objective

Denmark has exceeded its objective to reduce antibiotics on-farm since 2009, according to figures from October last year.

The use of antibiotics has been reduced by 11%, which is 1% more than the objective agreed back in 2009.

It has been reported that the reduction is due to the yellow card scheme, which monitors the use of antibiotics and gives farmers exceeding the limit an injunction to lower the use.

Agriculture minister Dan Jørgensen said: “Denmark is a pioneer in working with antibiotic reduction. Other countries envy us the results we have achieved in co-operation with farmers, veterinarians and public authorities.

“A limited use of antibiotics is very important in order to ensure that doctors can prescribe the best treatment when we and our children become ill. And we know that antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem in the world around us.”

Denmark is known for monitoring antibiotics more rigorously than any other country. Jørgensen added: “Our joint effort has resulted in Danish foodstuffs having a unique international reputation. This creates food safety and consumer confidence and easy access to foreign markets.”