Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Past animal health AMR targets were unchallenging; new plan lacks targets amid rising usage
Recommendation
We asked VMD whether the targets set for animal health in the 2019–24 NAP were challenging enough given that they were successfully achieved. VMD acknowledged that while reaching the targets was a big success, it also considered that this was a result of some “quick wins”.38 The 2024–29 NAP does not include any targets relating to animal health. VMD told us that ambitious and realistic targets for the usage of antimicrobials will be set by the end of the year and will be specific to each species sector.39 Recently, VMD has seen that reductions in usage have plateaued and usage is actually now increasing for some species.40 Transparency and accountability
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 18 September 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗