The pig industry has credited an "astounding" 75pc reduction in its use of antibiotics to a successful eight-year collaboration between vets and farmers.
Data collated by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) reveals a 20pc reduction in antibiotic usage for treating pigs on farms in 2022, bringing the total reduction since 2015 to 75pc.
The "remarkable milestone" was achieved through use of alternative medicines instead of "last resort" antibiotics, as well as improved hygiene, treatment and disease prevention strategies.
Efforts to restrict the use of antibiotics in farm animals gathered pace after the O'Neill Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, whose final report in 2016 warned drug-resistant superbugs could kill millions of people unless action was taken to cut the use of medicines which are critical to human health.
The new figures exceed the target set in 2020 by RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture), which aimed for a 30pc reduction in the pig sector by 2024.
Industry leaders praised the collaborative efforts of farmers, veterinarians and other stakeholders across the industry, which is a major part of East Anglia's agricultural economy.
North Norfolk pig farmer Rob Mutimer, who is an AHDB Pork Sector Council member and chairman of the National Pig Association, said: "This data highlights the impressive collaborative efforts made by British pig producers and vets to reduce the use of antibiotics.
"Given all the well-known and difficult issues facing farmers, it is quite astounding that the goal has been exceeded.”
The data was collected by the AHDB using the electronic Medicine Book (eMB) - an industry initiative driven by the Pig Health and Welfare Council.
Dr Mandy Nevel, AHDB head of animal health and welfare, added: "Farmers and vets should be extremely proud of the work they have done to demonstrate a responsible approach to antibiotic use.
"The extensive data set collated over the last eight years has provided robust evidence of progress and has helped vets and farmers work collaboratively to make changes on farm and monitor that progress."
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