Tackling antimicrobial resistance: Information for animal health practitioners

Information for veterinarians on tackling antimicrobial resistance, including restrictions on the use of certain antimicrobials in animals in the EU

EMA promotes the prudent and responsible use of antibiotics in both animals and humans. This can lower the risk of bacteria becoming resistant - which is also referred to as antimicrobial resistance.  

Animal health practitioners, or veterinarians, can check the categorisation of antibiotics in animals - that EMA's Antimicrobial Advice Ad Hoc Expert Group (AMEG) set up. 

An infographic on the AMEG categorisation is available below, in multiple EU languages:

Infographic - Categorisation of antibiotics for use in animals for prudent and responsible use

Restrictions in use of antimicrobials

Veterinarians should also be mindful of possible restrictions in the use of antimicrobials for animals. 

Please consult EMA's scientific advice for the:

• list of human-reserved antimicrobials and substances designated under Article 37(5) that are not allowed for use in animals - relevant EMA document is available below;
• list of antimicrobials and substances that should not be used under Articles 112, 113 or used under certain conditions - this complements the list of antimicrobials reserved for humans; relevant EMA document and EU legislation link are available below;

Advice on the designation of antimicrobials or groups of antimicrobials reserved for treatment of certain infections in humans - in relation to implementing measures under Article 37(5) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products

Adopted Reference Number: EMA/CVMP/678496/2021

Scientific advice under Art.107(6) of Reg.(EU)2019/6 for establishment of a list of antimicrobials which shall not be used in accordance with Art. 112, 113 and 114 or which shall only be used in accordance with these articles subject to certain conditions

Reference Number: EMA/CVMP/151584/2021

For relevant EU legislation, see:

• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1973

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27 August 2026

Page first published; Content has been moved from another webpage as part of a broader content reorganisation