Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of July 7, 2026, from the General Directorate of Sanitation of Agri-Food Production and Animal Welfare |
|---|---|
| Publication in BOE | July 18, 2026 |
| Entry into force | October 18, 2026 (three months after publication) |
| Affected parties | Livestock farmers, veterinarians and operators of pig, cattle, sheep, goat, poultry, rabbit, aquatic animal and equine operations |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries — Animal Health |
| Year | 2026 |
| Reference regulatory framework | Royal Decree 992/2022, of November 29 |
If you have a livestock operation, from October 2026 onwards your farm's antibiotic consumption will be measured against an official threshold. The Resolution of July 7, 2026 from the General Directorate of Sanitation of Agri-Food Production and Animal Welfare publishes the national reference indicators for antibiotic use for 2026, provided for in the Royal Decree 992/2022, of November 29. It is not a direct prohibition, but exceeding the indicator can put your operation under the radar of official veterinary inspection.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution sets the national reference indicators that serve as a reference threshold to assess whether antibiotic use in each type of livestock operation is sustainable. These indicators have differentiated values by zootechnical classification, that is, they vary depending on the species and type of production within each species.
The livestock species covered by the resolution are:
| Species / Group | Included in 2026 indicators |
|---|---|
| Pigs | Yes, with values by zootechnical classification |
| Cattle | Yes, with values by zootechnical classification |
| Sheep | Yes, with values by zootechnical classification |
| Goats | Yes, with values by zootechnical classification |
| Poultry | Yes, with values by zootechnical classification |
| Rabbits | Yes, with values by zootechnical classification |
| Aquatic animals | Yes, with values by zootechnical classification |
| Equines | Yes, with values by zootechnical classification |
The framework responds to the European and national strategy against antimicrobial resistance, under the "One Health" approach, which integrates animal, human and environmental health. The indicators are not sanctions in themselves: they are the thermometer that authorities use to decide which operations need additional monitoring.
Economic and operational impact
The direct impact is not a fee or automatic fine, but it does have real operational and economic consequences for operations that exceed the threshold:
- Greater administrative burden: Operations that exceed the indicator may be subject to official control or monitoring measures, which implies more inspections, records and justifications before the competent authority.
- Pressure on veterinary protocols: Veterinarians responsible for operations will need to review and, if necessary, adjust antibiotic use plans to stay within the threshold.
- Reputational and commercial risk: In a market where buyers (distributors, exporters, food chains) increasingly demand traceability and sustainability, exceeding the indicator can affect contract negotiations.
- Adaptation cost: Adjusting health protocols, investing in more precise diagnosis or biosecurity measures to reduce antibiotic use represents a real cost, especially for medium and small operations.
The resolution does not modify specific economic sanctions with respect to Royal Decree 992/2022, but activates the surveillance mechanism that can lead to sanctioning procedures if non-compliance is detected within the general framework of antibiotic use.
Who does it affect?
- Operators of livestock operations for pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, aquatic animals and equines.
- Responsible veterinarians of livestock operations, who are those who prescribe and record antibiotic use.
- Integrators and livestock cooperatives that manage operations under their umbrella and must ensure compliance in all of them.
- Technical advisors and consultants in the primary sector who support farmers in health management.
- Distribution and export companies of livestock products that require certifications of responsible antibiotic use from their suppliers.
Practical example
Imagine a closed-cycle pig operation (breeding sows + fattening) in Castilla y León. From October 18, 2026 onwards, the antibiotic consumption of that farm will be compared with the national reference indicator set for pigs according to its zootechnical classification (closed cycle, in this case).
If the consumption recorded in the SIRENTRA system (or the corresponding official registry) exceeds that threshold, the competent authority of the autonomous community can initiate specific monitoring of the operation: review of treatment records, audit of the health plan and, potentially, requirement of corrective measures from the responsible veterinarian.
The farmer does not receive an automatic fine for exceeding the indicator, but is in a situation of greater exposure to inspection and must justify the high use of antibiotics with documented clinical criteria. If they cannot justify it, the case can lead to a sanctioning procedure under Royal Decree 992/2022.
What should companies do now?
- Review current antibiotic consumption in each operation and compare it with the indicators published in the resolution, differentiating by species and zootechnical classification.
- Consult with the responsible veterinarian of the operation to assess whether current treatment protocols are aligned with the new thresholds or if adjustments are necessary before October 2026.
- Review treatment records and ensure they are correctly documented in the official system, as in case of inspection they will be the first evidence requested.
- Evaluate investments in biosecurity and diagnosis that allow reducing the need for antibiotics: improvement of facilities, vaccinations, more precise microbiological diagnosis before prescribing.
- Inform reference integrators or cooperatives about the new framework, to coordinate a joint response if they manage several operations under the same umbrella.
- Mark October 18, 2026 on the calendar as the deadline: from that date the resolution is fully effective and the indicators are the official reference for any control action.
Frequently asked questions
When do the new antibiotic indicators in livestock farming come into force?
The Resolution of July 7, 2026 was published in the BOE on July 18, 2026 and comes into force three months later, that is, on October 18, 2026. Until that date, farmers and veterinarians have time to review and adjust their protocols.
What happens if my operation exceeds the antibiotic reference indicator?
Exceeding the threshold does not imply an automatic economic sanction, but can activate control or monitoring measures by the competent authorities. This includes review of treatment records, audits of the health plan and possible requirements for corrective measures. If the high use cannot be justified with documented clinical criteria, the case can lead to a sanctioning procedure under the framework of Royal Decree 992/2022.
Which livestock species do the 2026 indicators apply to?
The national reference indicators published in the resolution cover eight groups: pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, aquatic animals and equines. Each group has differentiated values according to the zootechnical classification of the operation.
Who has to comply with this regulation: the farmer or the veterinarian?
Both. The operator of the operation is responsible for ensuring that antibiotic use in their farm complies with the regulatory framework. The responsible veterinarian is the one who prescribes treatments and must ensure that prescriptions are clinically justified and correctly recorded. In case of inspection, both may be required to justify consumption.
Where can I find the specific values of the indicator for my type of operation?
The specific values by species and zootechnical classification are published in the Resolution of July 7, 2026 in the BOE. To identify the indicator that corresponds to your operation, you must know the zootechnical classification of your farm, which appears in the official registry of livestock operations in your autonomous community.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-15730