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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th April 2016
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RUMA defends veterinary use of antibiotics
cow
It's critical that potential impacts on welfare, food safety, product quality and investment are fully understood by the businesses involved.
Investors urge food companies to stop suppliers using critical drugs

Non-profit group RUMA has defended the use of antibiotics in farming, after recent reports that a group of investors contacted food companies, urging them to 'stop their meat and poultry suppliers using antibiotics vital for human health'.

RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance), said that whilst it welcomes food companies and suppliers working together to reduce the need for antibiotics in farm animals, it is vital that the potential impacts are understood.

'The concept that food companies work sustainably with their supply chains to reduce the need for antibiotics is welcomed by RUMA; this is already happening.

'However, it's critical that potential impacts on welfare, food safety, product quality and investment are fully understood by the businesses involved, so that farmers have the confidence, means and support to make any necessary changes.'

Equally, the group said it is important the issue is not exploited as a 'marketing tool'.

'There is a risk that misrepresentation of the facts and a failure to appreciate the situation in different countries could end up harming welfare, cause unnecessary suffering and lead to significant losses in our farm livestock sector.'

It is reported that 70 per cent of antibiotics in the US may be used to tackle disease challenges, whereas in the UK the figure is only 40 per cent. Public Health England figures show that the medical use of antibiotics is in fact 2.4 times higher than that of veterinary.

'Furthermore, use of antibiotics as growth promotors has been banned in the EU since 2006; antibiotics are only available in the UK on prescription from vets; and the industry has already opted for restrictions to use a number of antibiotics classed as critically important for human health, such as third and fourth generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and colistin, only when truly necessary.'

 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.