BPC reports 83% reduction in poultry antibiotic use since 2012

Looking at the poultry sector, BPC found that “ongoing collaboration and open communication” were key to its success as it continued to monitor antibiotic use levels.

Previously, sharing data across the supply chain has delivered:

• 83.22% reduction in total antibiotic use since 2012
• 99.34% reduction in the use of Critically Important Antibiotics since 2012
• Zero use of preventative antibiotics

BPC detailed that the safe use of antibiotics had been prioritised by the poultry meat industry since 2011, highlighting that the sector had been the first to voluntarily develop a strategy for responsible use.

It found that chicken production has maintained a “continued below-target use” of antibiotics at 11.33 mg/pcu, with the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) target set at 25 mg/pcu.

Turkeys had maintained use at 40 mg/pcu, below the RUMA target of 50mg/pcu. While ducks had no official target, BPC found there was a falling trend, with usage now at 0.58 mg/pcu.

BPC chief executive Richard Griffiths stated: “Stewardship is about designing for continuous improvement, responsible practice, and long-term contribution. This report reflects the principles that guide our sector every day – showing how our work benefits both poultry meat production and the wider fight against antimicrobial resistance.

“We are proud of what has been achieved and remain committed to transparency and collaboration.”