Vietnam has taken major regulatory steps to curb antibiotic use in livestock As World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week begins, the European Union is spotlighting Vietnam’s rapid progress in reducing…

Vietnam has taken major regulatory steps to curb antibiotic use in livestock

As World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week begins, the European Union is spotlighting Vietnam’s rapid progress in reducing antibiotic use in poultry farming through the EU-backed campaign “European Poultry – From Our Farms to Your Tables.” The initiative aims to raise awareness among Vietnamese buyers, importers, and consumers about responsible antibiotic practices and the high standards upheld in European poultry production.

Vietnam Takes Decisive Action

Vietnam has taken major regulatory steps to curb antibiotic use in livestock. Since 2018, antibiotic growth promoters have been banned in animal feed. In addition, a full prohibition on preventive antibiotic use across livestock production will take effect on 1 January 2026, allowing antibiotics only for therapeutic use under veterinary prescription. These reforms align Vietnam with global efforts to combat AMR and reflect shared EU–Vietnam commitments to animal health and food safety.

EU: A Model for Responsible Antibiotic Use

In the European Union, routine and preventive antibiotic use in food animals is prohibited. Antibiotics can only be prescribed by veterinarians when needed to treat or control disease, and treatments must follow strict withdrawal periods to ensure meat remains free of harmful residues. Under the Farm to Fork strategy, the EU is moving toward even lower antimicrobial use—without compromising food safety or animal welfare.

European poultry producers rely on strong biosecurity, vaccination programs, daily flock monitoring, and high animal welfare standards to prevent disease. Medication is used only when medically justified, creating healthier flocks and reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

As a result, EU poultry meat is consistently free of dangerous residues and fully compliant with both EU and international safety standards