The Live Wire



Press Release

European move to ban prophylactic medicine could comprimise animal welfare

1 November 2011

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is deeply concerned by a European Parliament resolution calling on the Commission to legislate against the prophylactic use of antibiotics (antimicrobials) in livestock farming.

The move is part of a larger motion drawing attention to the problem of antimicrobial resistance and calling for measures across Europe to reduce the increase in resistance. It was passed by MEPs on 27 October 2011.

Commenting, Carl Padgett, President of the BVA, said:

“There is a huge amount to be welcomed in this resolution, which calls for greater surveillance, increased use and understanding of data, and a responsible approach to the use of antimicrobials across Europe.

“However, the call for a ban on the prophylactic use of antibiotics in livestock farming could have a detrimental impact on animal health and welfare by reducing the ability of veterinary surgeons to treat animals in a timely and appropriate fashion.

“While we understand the desire to put an end to blanket prophylactic treatment with antimicrobials, this measure shows a lack of understanding of how vets treat infection on the farm.

“Vets should be able to use their clinical and professional judgement; otherwise we risk a situation whereby they are unable to administer an antimicrobial to an injured animal to prevent infection, or to the penmates of sick animals on farm who are likely to also be infected.

“In a practical sense a complete ban on the prophylactic use of antimicrobials puts the vets in a very difficult position and the result could compromise animal health and welfare.”

Notes:

1. The European Parliament resolution of 27 October 2011 on the public health threat of antimicrobial resistance: See paragraph 29 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P7-TA-2011-0473+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN

2. The BVA is a member of the RUMA Alliance (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture) http://www.ruma.org.uk/

3. The BVA has issued extensive guidance for vets and a poster on the responsible use of antimicrobials http://www.bva.co.uk/activity_and_advice/1633.aspx



Press releases, papers and documents published on this page are the intellectual property of an organisation unrelated to Central Lobby. We promote their parliamentary and political campaigning activities as they are subscribers to the Central Lobby service.

As such, Central Lobby does not edit, endorse, or attempt to balance the opinions expressed on this page. The content of press releases and other such types of content are the responsibility of the originating organisation.

British Veterinary Association

British Veterinary Association

More from Dods

© Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd