Antibiotics a key issue at G8
Image BVA president Peter Jones
It has been reported that science minister David Willetts, will raise the issue of antimicrobial resistance at the G8 Summit.
The news has been welcomed by British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Peter Jones, who said: "We are very pleased to see that the UK is using the G8 Summit to raise awareness of such an important global problem.
"We know that veterinary use of antimicrobials is well regulated in the UK and Europe but this is not necessarily the case across the globe. Action being taken in Europe is important but it is just a drop in the ocean and so we must promote the responsible use of antimicrobials internationally."
David Willett's comments on the need for more restrained use of antibiotics in farming were also supported by the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA).
However, secretary general of the alliance, John FitzGerald, made it clear that decisions must be developed with "sound science" in mind.
He said: "Reducing dosages or the length of treatment simply to use less antimicrobials to meet arbitrary reduction targets is not responsible use and would increase the risk of resistance...We look forward to working with the government on this matter."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
