Use of colistin-containing products within the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA): development of resistance in animals and possible impact on human and animal health

Highlights • A multidisciplinary international review panel on colistin use in veterinary medicine. • There is extensive use of colistin in veterinary medicine. • There is no evidence for the transmission of colistin resistance in bacteria that have been spread from animals to humans. • There is a clear need to reinforce systematic monitoring of bacteria from food-producing animals for resistance to colistin (polymyxins). • Colistin should no longer be used for prophylaxis of diseases in animals.