Madrid hosted the seminar “Availability of Veterinary Antimicrobials and Alternatives to Their Use”, organized by the National Plan against Antibiotic Resistance (PRAN), with representatives from national authorities, European institutions, the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, veterinary professional organizations, and animal production sectors taking part.
The meeting focused on challenges related to the availability of veterinary medicines, the identification of therapeutic gaps, and access to alternatives to the use of antimicrobials, in a context marked by the need to ensure effective treatments and continue making progress in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
During the sessions, it was highlighted that, despite Europe’s progress in the prudent use of antimicrobials and in surveillance systems, difficulties remain in ensuring access to certain veterinary medicines. These limitations particularly affect species or therapeutic indications for which there are few or no authorised treatment options.
One of the topics discussed was the collaborative initiative between Spain, France, Portugal and Ireland, aimed at identifying therapeutic gaps, analysing the factors affecting medicine availability and studying regulatory mechanisms that could improve access to both veterinary antimicrobials and alternatives to their use.
The seminar included a roundtable with representatives from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), national authorities, veterinary professionals, the pharmaceutical industry and the production sector. Participants analysed the role of regulation, pharmaceutical innovation and information exchange in improving medicine availability.
Also discussed were the prevention and management of supply problems, the early detection of potential shortages and coordination between European regulatory authorities and industry, especially in small markets or those with less commercial appeal.
Veterinary and livestock representatives set out the practical difficulties arising from the lack of therapeutic options and their possible impact on animal health and welfare. They also noted the need to promote the development of effective alternatives to the use of antimicrobials.
The meeting concluded by highlighting the importance of strengthening European cooperation to improve access to veterinary treatments, expand the available therapeutic options, and strengthen the capacity to respond to possible supply problems.
15 October 2026 / National Plan Against Antibiotic Resistance (PRAN) / Spain.
https://resistenciaantibioticos.es
