Sales of veterinary antibiotics rose 21.4% in Iceland in 2025
The rise was partly linked to Arctic char farming; sales figures alone do not measure treatment of individual animals.
Total sales of antibiotics intended for animals in Iceland rose by 21.4% from 2024 to 2025, according to Food and Veterinary Authority information reported by Bændablaðið on 8 October.
Part of the increase was associated with treatment in land-based Arctic char aquaculture, where bacterial disease remains a concern. Sales for other animal categories also increased, according to the report.
Sales and use are not identical measures. Sales data do not, on their own, establish how many animals received treatment or how frequently antibiotics were administered.
The report on the annual surveillance findings also notes that antibiotic resistance in Iceland remains generally low compared with many European countries, although particular resistance patterns require continued attention.
Human, animal and environmental health are interconnected. Monitoring both antibiotic sales and resistance trends matters more than drawing broad conclusions from a single percentage change.