20 February 2001
NOAH reserve statement
NOAH welcomes the success ofcampaigns to encourage animal husbandry practices which reduce the need forantibiotics. The guidelines for responsible antimicrobial use produced by RUMA,and other codes such as that published by the British Veterinary Associationand the industry guide on fluoroquinolone use have all played their part inreducing the amount of antibiotics used in livestock farming in 1999.
But the figures also reflect areduction in livestock numbers (as pointed out by the VMD) and farmers havingless money to spend on those that are left. If and when, in the future,livestock farming recovers, there may well be a consequent increase in animalmedicine sales, including antibiotics.This will reflect the fact that there are more animals on farms, andthat farmers once more have the financial security to invest in the health oftheir stock.
Less is not always best, althoughantibiotics should only be used when they are needed. Animal medicines arevital to ensure we have healthy animals to provide healthy food.
Ends
For further information contactRoger Cook or Alison Glennon on 020 8367 3131