RUMA funding triples in support of AMR plan
The funding will come in the form of increased subscriptions from RUMA members.
Funding for the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) has more than tripled in response to its five-year strategy on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The funding will come in the form of increased subscriptions from RUMA members.
Welcoming the news, RUMA chair Gywn Jones said that it is indicative of the industry’s ‘deepening commitment’ to work alongside the human medical community in reducing, refining and replacing the use of antibiotics globally.
“RUMA’s new five-year plan is focused on leadership, supporting and co-ordinating sector-led reductions in the use of antibiotics, inspiring greater levels of responsible use among farmers, and increasing awareness among policy-makers and the general public of the facts as well as challenges and achievements,” he said.
“While stewarding use of antibiotics in human medicine to reduce the risk from resistant bacteria is a pressing priority, farming has an important role to play in reducing risk of resistance developing through the food chain.”
Mr Jones added that the biggest challenge facing the farming industry is how to reduce animal treatment with antibiotics, without compromising welfare.
“A well thought-out, science-based approach that improves natural immunity, reduces disease burden and finds different ways to manage infection is essential to protect the well-being of animals,” he said. “There is no silver bullet – it’s about small incremental changes that are carefully tried and tested before implementation.”
In anticipation of increased funding, RUMA recently launched the www.farmantibiotics.org information website and convened the first meeting of its advisory Scientific Group.
The Alliance also recently welcomed the British Meat Processors’ Association and the British Trout Association as members. This means that it now spans all sectors from game to poultry, fish, cattle, sheep and pigs.
“The commitment to achieving change in how antibiotics are used is now universal throughout food and farming,” Mr Jones continued. “While not every member will agree on every aspect, they all recognise the importance of collaboration and UK farming’s potential contribution in helping to address this worldwide human and animal health issue.”
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