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The European Union's Directorate General for Health and Food Safety carried out an audit in Spain, from March 6 to 17, focused on the control of the use of veterinary antimicrobials. The objective was to check that antibiotics are used in accordance with their marketing authorization and that the supervision mechanisms by the authorities are effective.
The European Commission has endorsed the Spanish system, positively valuing its usefulness in promoting the prudent use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine and thus contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance, a major challenge in both animal and human health.
The report highlights that both the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the autonomous communities carry out adequate controls on veterinarians and livestock farmers, in line with the European Regulation on veterinary medicinal products. The audit also finds that antimicrobials are only prescribed after a relevant clinical evaluation, and only if appropriate, in accordance with national requirements.
One of the strengths highlighted by the audit is the Presvet system, through which veterinarians are obliged to declare the antibiotics prescribed. This tool makes it possible to precisely track each treatment, the type and quantity of antimicrobials used, and to check their compliance with the legal framework.
In Spain, Royal Decree 666/2023 regulates the prescription of veterinary medicinal products with the aim of ensuring responsible use and preserving the efficacy of treatments. The Commission considers that this regulatory framework, together with the control mechanisms in place, constitutes a solid system that serves as a reference at the European level.
June 10, 2025/ MAPA/ Spain.
https://www.mapa.gob.es/es/prensa
