Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
1019. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1067 of 20 March 2024, if, given that in his reply he has stated that the pig farmers keep the records, and only submit to his Department on a voluntary basis, he will outline how his Department ensures that the data is an accurate portrayal of the usage, as it is not independently recorded or verified. [14896/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to clarify that all antimicrobials used on Irish pig farms must have an accompanying prescription, written by a registered veterinary practitioner. By way of regulatory control, my officials carry out routine on-farm inspections where submitted antibiotic use data is verified against farm records and dispensed prescriptions.
The data submitted by pig farmers on antibiotic usage in their herds is self-reported data for analysis of usage and trend. In conducting this data analysis where my officials suspect errors in submitted data, theses are identified and investigated. In addition, Bord Bia conduct regular on farm audits on all Irish pig farms and the examination of veterinary medicines represents a key component of these audits.
I am encouraged by the decreasing trend in the usage of antibiotic premix in medicated feed as recorded in the National Anitmicrobial Usage (AMU) Database for pigs. This trend is supported by the most recent HPRA sales report for 2022 which showed a 43% decrease in sales of oral premix which are primarily used in the pig sector compared to sales in 2021. This represents a significant step in the efforts made by Irish pig farmers in reducing their antimicrobial use by 50% between 2018 and 2030 as part of the European ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy.
