The European Medicines Agency (EMA) started this project in September 2009, following a request from the European Commission to develop a harmonised approach for the collection and reporting of data on the use of antimicrobial agents in animals from EU and European Economic Area (EEA) Member States.
Voluntary participation in the ESVAC project increased from 9 to 31 reporting countries over the years.
The ESVAC project formally comes to an end in November 2023 with the publication of its final report.
From January 2024, all EU / EEA Member States must report their data on the volume of sales and use of antimicrobial medicinal products in animals, in line with the Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulation.
EU / EEA Member States must use EMA's Antimicrobial Sales and Use Platform to report their data to EMA.
More information:
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Interactive ESVAC database
The interactive ESVAC database allows users to access a summary of the specific ESVAC data they are interested in, including data for a specific country or sales of a particular antimicrobial class.
Users can use the database to customise charts, maps and graphs.
Access the database directly via the link below:
Annual report on sales of veterinary antimicrobial medicinal products
The annual ESVAC report presents data on the volume of sales of veterinary antimicrobial medicinal products collected from the 31 countries of the ESVAC network. It also highlights key changes and trends over time.
Scientists, veterinarians and other animal healthcare professionals, risk assessors and policy makers in Member States use the results of the annual report as a reference for antimicrobial policies and for guidance on the responsible use of antimicrobials.
The final ESVAC report, published in November 2023, shows that sales of antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals in Europe fell considerably since 2011.
See the 2022 (final) ESVAC reportOverall, most participating countries have been successful in reducing the use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals. The latest results show the potential in other countries as well.
For the 25 countries providing sales data continuously between 2011 and 2022, sales fell by 53% over this period.
Sales have fallen particularly sharply for antimicrobials in AMEG Category B, also classified by the World Health Organization as critically important in human medicine:
Antimicrobial classes | Reduction in total sales since 2011 |
---|---|
3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins | By 49% |
Polymyxins | By 91% |
Fluoroquinolones | By 25 % |
Other quinolones | By 90 % |
Since 2011, sales decreased in 24 countries. Of these, 21 countries show a decrease of more than 15% (and up to 68%). Throughout this period, sales have increased in only 1 country (55% compared to 2011).
Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 31 European countries in 2022 - Trends from 2010 to 2022, thirteenth ESVAC report
The EU Farm to Fork strategy aims to bring a 50% reduction in total sales of antimicrobials for farmed animals and aquaculture by 2030 compared with 2018 figures.
By 2022, EU Member States had achieved just over half of the reduction target set for 2030, as shown in the enclosed visual.
The metrics featured for the years 2018 (118,3), 2022 (84,8) and 2030 (59,2) show sales in milligram of active substance sold by population correction unit (mg / PCU).
For more information, see Population correction unit.
Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 31 European countries in 2019 and 2020 - Trends from 2010 to 2020 - Eleventh ESVAC report
Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 31 European countries in 2018 - Trends from 2010 to 2018 - Tenth ESVAC report
Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 31 European countries in 2017 - Ninth ESVAC report
Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 30 European countries in 2016 - Trends from 2010 to 2016 Eighth ESVAC report
Seventh ESVAC report: sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 30 European countries in 2015
Sixth ESVAC report: sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 29 European countries in 2014
Fifth ESVAC report: sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 26 European Union/European Economic Area countries in 2013
Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 26 European Union / European Economic Area countries in 2012: Fourth European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption report
Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 25 European Union / European Economic Area countries in 2011 - Third European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption report
Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 19 European Union / European Economic Area countries in 2010 - Second European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption report
Trends in the sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in nine European countries
Related information materials
Visual guide - Responsible use of antimicrobials protects people, animals and the future
Trends by country
An overview of country-specific trends in the volume of sales of veterinary antimicrobial medicinal products between 2010 and 2021 is available in the country reports below.
Each one of the 31 countries has provided information corresponding to their data, and each section presents changes of sales by antimicrobial class, along with a brief summary and discussion of the data.
Country reports on sales trends (2010-2022)
For the interpretation of data for individual countries, the following points should be considered:
- it is generally agreed that it usually takes at least three to four years to establish a valid baseline for the data on sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents;
- differences in the selection of sales data providers and changes in already established systems collecting and handling the sales data may also have an impact;
- data obtained through the first years of data collection should therefore be interpreted with due caution, and this is equally valid when major system changes occur.
Differences between countries should be interpreted with caution. Variations in reported sales (mg/PCU) and in sales patterns are likely to be partly due to differences in:
- occurrence of bacterial diseases;
- composition of the animal population;
- animal production systems;
- prescription guidelines or practices;
- daily doses used for various antimicrobial agents and pharmaceutical forms;
- duration of antimicrobial treatment.
A number of countries offered comments related to activities combatting antimicrobial resistance in animals and explanations for the decline or increase of sales in their country. These include:
- implementation of national action plans to reduce the occurrence of resistance;
- strategies and campaigns to promote prudent use of antimicrobials;
- restrictions on use of certain antimicrobials in food-producing animals;
- prescription control measures;
- campaigns to raise awareness of the threat of antimicrobial resistance;
- setting targets for reduction of antimicrobial sales;
- underreporting and implementation of new data collection systems.
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Sales data reporting form and protocol
To obtain standardised data, participating countries provide their sales data of veterinary antimicrobials and animal population data based on a data reporting protocol and data collection form, which are available below. EMA processes the data according to the protocol.
The protocol outlines the:
EMA and the national ESVAC contact points revised the data reporting protocol in March 2021, including updated ESVAC conversation factors.
Until further notice, the submission of antimicrobial sales data for 2020 and onwards should follow the revised protocol.
- data submission requirements;
- instructions for data quality confirmation;
- conversion factors EMA uses when processing the data.
European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) web based data collection form
European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) web based sales and and animal population data collection protocol
The reporting forms and protocols that had been in use in previous years are available for reference below.
(Superseded) European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) web-based data collection form (2020)
(Superseded) European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) web-based sales and animal population data collection protocol (2020)
(Superseded) European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) web-based data collection form (2016)
(Superseded) European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) web-based sales and animal population data collection protocol (2019)
Population correction unit
The amounts of veterinary antimicrobial agents sold are linked to the animal demographics in each country. In order to normalise the sales data for the animal population that can be subjected to treatment with antimicrobial agents, a population correction unit (PCU) is used in the ESVAC as a proxy for the size of the animal population. The way the PCU is calculated can be seen in Appendix 2 of the first ESVAC report.
European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) population correction unit template
Standardised units of measurement
To enable a more detailed analysis of trends in antimicrobial consumption, ESVAC is preparing a system for the collection of harmonised and standardised data on consumption by animal species.
As a first step, EMA has established standardised units of measurement for reporting antimicrobial consumption in specific animal species, called the 'defined daily dose' and 'defined course dose' for animals. For more information, see:
Reporting data by animal species
In February 2018, EMA published guidance on reporting antimicrobial consumption data by animal species and an updated questions-and-answers document (Q&A) clarifying the rationale for certain recommendations, taking into account comments received during public consultation:
- Guidance on collection and provision of national data on antimicrobial use by animal species/categories
- Questions and answers for the guidance on collection and provision of national data on antimicrobial use by animal species/categories (EMA/489035/2016-Rev.1)
- Overview of comments received on Guidance on collection and provision of national data on antimicrobial use by animal species/categories
On 26 April 2017, the European Commission organised a workshop with EMA on data collection on consumption of veterinary antimicrobials in Europe. There was general consensus among stakeholders on the need to collect data on antimicrobial use by animal species, and on the benefits of such data collection.
Stratifying sales data by animal species
In July 2018, EMA launched a project for stratifying sales data of veterinary antimicrobials by animal species. This enables an approximate estimation of consumption by different species, by allocating a proportion of the total sales to each species a veterinary antimicrobial is used in.
EMA has published a protocol for collecting sales data for stratification:
The protocol is based on ongoing experience with a pilot project with six volunteer Member States that has been testing this methodology and possible approaches to be used in EU/EEA Member States.
ESVAC strategy 2016 - 2020
EMA has developed an ESVAC strategy for 2016-2020. The strategy takes into account stakeholder feedback provided during public consultation:
- European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) Vision and Strategy 2016-2020
- Overview of the comments received on draft European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) Vision and Strategy 2016-2020 (EMA/326299/2015)
- Draft European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) Vision and Strategy 2016-2020
During the next five years, ESVAC will continue collecting and publishing overall sales data from as many EU and EEA countries as possible.
The strategy aims to enable the analysis of European-level trends in antimicrobial consumption per animal species, using data that is standardised between countries.
EMA will bring together the best European expertise for harmonising data collection and analysis methodologies. It will provide guidance on the collection of data per species, with a specific focus on the three major food-producing ones: pigs, cattle and broilers (poultry).
ESVAC meetings
The Agency holds meetings on monitoring the consumption of veterinary antimicrobial agents in Europe, bringing together representatives of Member States and other stakeholders:
- ESVAC stakeholders meeting (02/03/2016)
- ESVAC stakeholders meeting (03/03/2015)
- ESVAC workshop on testing of system for data collection by species (09/02/2015)
- ESVAC stakeholders meeting (05/02/2014)
- ESVAC stakeholders meeting (18/03/2013)
- ESVAC annual network meeting 2012 (14-15/02/2012)
- Workshop on collection of data on antimicrobial agents by species and on unit(s) of measurement (13-14/10/2011)
- Meeting with stakeholders on monitoring sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in Europe (28/09/2010)
- Meeting on monitoring of sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in Europe (25/11/2009)
Documents
Terms of reference 2016 - 2017: ESVAC species Expert Advisory Group
ESVAC sales Expert Advisory Group: Terms of reference 2021-2022
Draft concept paper on guidance for the collection of data on antimicrobial consumption by species from national data collection systems
Report on ESVAC trial for collecting data on consumption of antimicrobial agents in pigs
Overview of comments received on draft ESVAC reflection paper on collecting data on consumption of antimicrobial agents per animal species, on technical units of measurement and indicators for reporting consumption of an...
Revised European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) reflection paper on collecting data on consumption of antimicrobial agents per animal species, on technical units of measurement and indicator...
(Superseded) European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) data collection protocol
The ATCvet classification system
(Superseded) European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) data collection form (template)
Examples on how to fill in the European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) data collection form
Principles for ensuring the confidentiality of data supplied to the European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Agent Consumption (ESVAC) project
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