France Maintains Progress in Reducing Antibiotic Use in Animals, But Plateau Raises Concerns
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France has largely succeeded in reducing antibiotic use in animals as 2011, but recent data indicates a leveling off of progress, prompting calls for continued vigilance. A report published by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) in November 2025 reveals that antibiotic exposure in animals stabilized in 2024 compared to the previous year. While the country remains on track with European goals, the plateau raises concerns about maintaining momentum in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic Reduction Efforts & Current Status
Since 2011, France has achieved an overall 49% reduction in antibiotic use in animals, largely due to the implementation of the Ecoantibio plan in 2012. This plan focuses on a multi-faceted approach, including promoting responsible antibiotic use, improving animal health management, and adopting breeding practices that reduce the risk of disease.
However, the ANSES report shows that this reduction has slowed. The current exposure indicator stands at 0.307, slightly above the Ecoantibio 3 plan’s target of 0.3. Despite this, France has successfully met the objectives set by the European Green deal regarding antibiotic reduction as 2019. The European green Deal aims to reduce antimicrobial use in animal husbandry across the European Union. https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/antimicrobial-resistance_en
According to ANSES, “The results for 2024 generally show an extension of the trends observed in recent years. The efforts wich have made it possible to reduce the exposure of animals to antibiotics and the resistance of bacteria since the start of the Ecoantibio plan in 2012 must be maintained.”
The Growing threat of Antibiotic Resistance
The stabilization of antibiotic use is concerning because of the growing global threat of antibiotic resistance. Overuse of antibiotics drives the advancement of bacteria that are no longer susceptible to these drugs, rendering infections harder – and sometimes impossible – to treat. This poses a notable risk to both animal and human health. The World Health organization (WHO) identifies antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 global public health threats to humanity. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance
Key Takeaways
* France has significantly reduced antibiotic use in animals since 2011 (49% reduction).
* Progress has plateaued in 2024, with the exposure indicator at 0.307, slightly above the Ecoantibio 3 plan target.
* France continues to meet the antibiotic reduction objectives of the European Green Deal.
* Maintaining current efforts is crucial to combat antibiotic resistance.
Looking Ahead
While France has made ample progress, the recent stabilization underscores the need for continued and intensified efforts. Future strategies will likely focus on further refining animal health management practices, investing in research and development of alternative therapies, and strengthening surveillance of antibiotic use and resistance patterns.Sustaining the gains achieved and preventing a resurgence in antibiotic use will be vital to protecting both animal and public health in the years to come.
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