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Poultry sector cuts antibiotic use by 44 per cent
hens
The sector has focused on restricting the use of antibiotics classed as critical for human medicine.
Scheme focuses on reducing use of critical drugs
 
Antibiotic use on British poultry farms has fallen by 44 per cent since 2012, it was revealed in parliament this week.

Farming minister George Eustice praised the industry for its efforts to better understand and reduce antibiotic use, as well as its commitment to open and transparent reporting.

The British Poultry Council (BPC) has worked with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) since 2011 to collect accurate poultry-specific data.

Under the BPC Antibiotic Stewardship Scheme, the sector has focused on restricting the use of antibiotics classed as critical for human medicine. A voluntary ban on the use of third and fourth generation cephalosporins has been in place since 2012.

According to a report released this week, the use of fluoroquinolones has been reduced by 48 per cent, while macrolide use was reduced by half year-on-year between 2013 and 2015 and amoxycilin reduced by 46 per cent in the same time period. Similarly, tetracycline use dropped by 47 per cent between 2012 and 2015.

BPC chairman John Reed commented: "Antibiotic use is an incredibly important subject for both animal and human health. The British poultry sector has taken a lead in understanding its own use and impact, and we hope that others will follow suit…

"Our priority remains the health of our birds, and the responsible therapeutic use of antibiotics is crucial."

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.