Antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2022–2023

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Disclaimer

  • This plain language summary (PLS) is a simplified communication of ECDC and EFSA’s summary report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2022–2023
  • The purpose of this PLS is to enhance transparency and inform interested parties on the work of ECDC and EFSA on the topic using simplified language to present a summary of the main findings.
  • Anyone interested in the detailed results, analysis, and interpretation, should consult the full ECDC/EFSA report.

Antimicrobial resistance – an overview

  • Antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, are substances used to kill microorganisms or to stop them from growing and multiplying.
  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to the ability of microorganisms to withstand antimicrobial treatments.
  • The use of antimicrobials in humans and animals can lead to the emergence and spread of microorganisms which are resistant to them, rendering antimicrobial treatment ineffective and posing a serious risk to animal and public health.
  • When AMR occurs in zoonotic bacteria (that is, bacteria present in animals and food causing human infections), it can also compromise the effectiveness of treatment of infectious diseases in humans.

What is the role of EFSA and ECDC in monitoring AMR?

  • EFSA and ECDC provide independent scientific support and advice to risk managers on the risks to human and animal health related to the possible emergence, spread and transfer of AMR in the food chain and in animals.
  • EFSA and ECDC cooperate closely with other relevant EU agencies such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
  • Since 2011, EFSA and ECDC have compiled a joint report on AMR in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals, and food.

How did EFSA and ECDC carry out this work?

  • EFSA collected and analysed data on bacterial isolates from food-producing animals and food while ECDC collected and analysed data on isolates from human cases. These data were used to provide an overview of the current AMR situation, including details of the evolution of AMR trends in Europe, and they provide robust evidence for decision making.
  • The data were provided by the 27 EU Member States (MSs), United Kingdom (Northern Ireland), two European Economic Area (EEA) countries (Iceland and Norway), Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Switzerland.
  • EFSA and ECDC jointly assessed the food-related data – reported to EFSA – and the public health data – reported to ECDC.
  • Data for humans, fattening pigs and cattle under one year of age are from 2023 while those for broilers and fattening turkeys are from 2022.

What were the limitations of the data?

What are the main outcomes?

  • The reported findings and trends are consistent with those from the preceding years.
  • Generally, resistance differed greatly between reporting countries, antimicrobials and bacterial species.
  • Resistance to certain antimicrobials in Campylobacter (particularly in C. coli) and in some strains of Salmonella bacteria remains high.
  • Campylobacter from humans and food-producing animals (chickens, fattening turkeys, fattening pigs and calves) continues to show very high resistance to ciprofloxacin, a commonly used antimicrobial in humans.
  • Combined resistance to critically important antimicrobials – defined as resistance to two different specific antimicrobials – was found to be low, in general, in Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli.
  • While individual variations across the EU were found, key outcome indicators show that significant progress has been made in reducing AMR in food-producing animals in several MSs.
  • The detection of a number of carbapenemase-producing (CP) E. coli isolates in pigs, cattle under 1 year of age, poultry and meat thereof by seven MSs in 2022 and 2023, requires a thorough follow-up. The number of reported CP isolates is increasing.

Key implications and recommendations

  • Caution in the use of antimicrobials in all sectors, including agriculture, is absolutely necessary and therefore strongly recommended.
  • CP isolates need to be monitored closely as carbapenems are last line antimicrobials for human therapy and not licensed for use in food-producing animals. Sources of CP isolates in livestock should be further investigated.
  • Differences in the occurrence of AMR in MSs can relate to historical or current patterns of antimicrobial use; however, it may also highlight differences in husbandry and/or other practices or strategies that may assist in the prevention of AMR.
  • Even if progress can be seen in many MSs, work to reduce selection for and spread of AMR must continue all over Europe.

Reference

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The European Union summary report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2022–2023. Stockholm, Parma: ECDC, EFSA; 2024. 
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9237