Trends in antimicrobial sales for livestock and fisheries in Korea during 2003-2012

(Received: January 6, 2014; Revised: April 2, 2014; Accepted: April 9, 2014)Abstract : In this study, trends in the sales of antimicrobials for use in livestock facilities and fisheries from 2003to 2012 were investigated with regard to antimicrobial group, antimicrobial usage, and animal species. The overallamount of antimicrobials sold each year from 2003 to 2007 was 1,500 tons, after which they decreased, with thelowest sales being 936 tons in 2012. The total volume of antimicrobials used for feed additives decreased markedlyby 94% from 2003 to 2012, which was mainly attributed to banning of feed additives. However, antimicrobialconsumption through self prescription by farmers for disease prevention and treatment increased by 25% from 2003to 2012. The largest volume of antimicrobials sold was for use in pigs (48~57%), followed by poultry (18~24%),fisheries (11~25%), and cattle (5~8%). Tetracycline was the highest selling antimicrobial, followed by penicillinsand sulfonamides, although the overall sale of all three antimicrobials gradually decreased over the study period.This study demonstrated that the total consumption of antimicrobials has gradually decreased since 2008.Nevertheless, usage by nonprofessionals increased, which can ultimately cause emergence and spread of antimicrobialresistance. Thus, early establishment of veterinary prescription guidelines for prudent use of antimicrobials is urgentlyneeded in Korea. Keywords : antimicrobials, fisheries, livestock, sales