nuSep 7, 2026, 13:45

Antibiotic use in Dutch livestock farming drops again

The Dutch government has established a new agreement with the veal industry to reduce the number of high-antibiotic-use farms by 50 percent by 2032. This move aims to build on a 77.2 percent reduction in animal antibiotic sales achieved since 2009 to further decrease risks of antibiotic resistance.

Dutch State Secretary for Agriculture Silvio Erkens has announced a new agreement aimed at significantly reducing antibiotic usage within the veal farming sector. The goal is to cut the number of veal farms that currently report high antibiotic consumption by 50 percent between 2026 and 2032. This initiative builds upon broader efforts that have seen total antibiotic sales for animals in the country drop by 77.2 percent since 2009, a development considered vital for minimizing bacterial resistance and protecting public health.

While the agricultural industry has made substantial progress over the past decade, officials noted that progress in the veal sector specifically has plateaued in recent years. By setting this new target, the government seeks to improve animal welfare and ensure that antibiotics remain effective for treating infections in both humans and animals. This commitment adds to an existing sectoral ambition to halve overall antibiotic usage levels by 2032 compared to 2022 benchmarks, reflecting a sustained focus on responsible farming practices.

Economy Health Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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