The Ministries of Agriculture and Health are setting conditions for the use of antibiotics in the livestock sector

A joint resolution between the Ministries of Agriculture and Health has been issued by the Official Leader of the Republic regulating the use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine, establishing specific controls for their prescription, marketing and use in Tunisia. The resolution of 10 November 2026 aims to reduce antibiotic resistance and protect public and animal health from the risks of accidental use.

The new resolution prohibits the use of antimicrobials to stimulate growth in animals or to compensate for poor hygiene and healthcare conditions within holdings, as well as prohibiting their introduction for general preventive purposes. The text also stressed the restriction of the use of antibiotics intended to treat critical human infections within the veterinary sector.

The decision requires veterinarians, pharmacists and cattle breeders to keep detailed records of all follow-up treatments for at least five years to ensure veterinary follow-up. The procedure also involves determining waiting periods between the date of the last veterinary dose and the date on which derived food is marketed.

The waiting periods for meat, milk and eggs are for the purpose of ensuring that food intended for human consumption is free from any chemical or pharmaceutical residues that may affect the safety of consumers.