Benchmark farm antimicrobial use and require veterinary oversight

Authorities should collect antimicrobial sales and use by species, farm, and indication, normalize data for animal populations, and provide confidential benchmarking to farmers and veterinarians. Persistent high users should receive review, improvement requirements, and proportionate enforcement.

Benchmarking makes variation visible and allows reductions to focus on avoidable use rather than denying necessary treatment. It depends on complete prescription records, independent veterinary accountability, clear indicators, and safeguards against gaming or shifting use to unmonitored products.