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‘Significant’ changes in pig sector’s antibiotic use
The rate of reduction in 2016 is a reflection of the work between veterinary surgeons and farmers to make “courageous changes”.
Data shows fall in prescribed antibiotics in feed for young pigs

The amount of prescribed antibiotics administered in feed for young pigs has more than halved since 2014, according to data collected from the UK’s major feed compounders.

At the start of 2014, 37 per cent of all feed for young pigs contained a prescribed antibiotic, but by the end of 2016 this had fallen to 18 per cent.

Two thirds of the reduction took place last year, showing an increase in the pace of change, according to RUMA, who announced the findings.

Paul Toplis, who represents the Agriculture Industries Confederation (AIC), said while these figures cover just one area of the sector, antibiotic prescriptions dispensed through feed to young pigs represent a large proportion of use. The rate of reduction in 2016 is a reflection of the work between veterinary surgeons and farmers to make “courageous changes”, he added.

President of the Pig Veterinary Society, Susannah Williamson, stressed the importance of veterinary expertise in assessing disease risks and implementing appropriate methods of control. She said: “These need to be tailor-made to suit each individual farm and the effects monitored to ensure that initiatives to reduce antibiotic treatment also promote good pig health and welfare.”

Mr Toplis also noted that some of the reductions appear to have been made possible through the use of zinc oxide. When added to feed at medicinal levels it can protect the gut from E. coli bacteria, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics in pigs.

Commenting on the results, RUMA secretary John Fitzgerald said: “These data show there is a clear drive to use antibiotics more responsibly and to work alongside the human medical community in reducing, refining and replacing use of antibiotics globally – as well as building on the successful 10 per cent reduction in UK farm animal use in 2015.”

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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.