RUMA Agriculture shares new AMR targets for livestock sectors
RUMA Agriculture's report sets out targets for each livestock sector.
The Responsible use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA Alliance) has shared a set of targets intended to reduce antimicrobial usage (AMU) in the UK’s livestock sectors.
The third cycle of targets from its Targets Task Force (TTF3) sets out commitments for each of the livestock sectors from 2025 until 2029.
Produced in line with the government’s AMR National Action Plan, this latest cycle forms a part of an ongoing voluntary initiative to reduce antibiotic use in the sector. Now in its ninth year, the initiative has recorded a 57 per cent reduction in antibiotic use in livestock sectors and an 83 per cent reduction in HP-CIA use.
In its latest report, RUMA Agriculture sets out a summary of TTF3 targets for each of the livestock sectors. It also provides an overview of its other AMU activities and projects.
This includes targets for cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry, with details of its own steps for each sector.
For some sectors, the TTF3 says that sustainable levels of use have been reached, and so it has held its previous targets. It explains that these targets have been based on realism, where it is more sensible to maintain low use rather than seeking lower reductions.
For other sectors, while target setting has been impacted by differing levels of data, the TTF3 says that levels of commitment and focus has remained evident.
However, the TTF3 also warns of the continuing challenge that vaccine availability poses a continuing challenge to its goals. RUMA Agriculture has collaborated with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate on the Statement of Intent on UK Veterinary Vaccine Availability, which it says will support farmers’ access to necessary vaccines.
It also reflects on the impacts of climate change, which is particularly damaging to outdoor farming, and disease outbreaks like bluetongue and avian influenza.
Cat McLaughlin, chair of RUMA Agriculture, said: “RUMA Agriculture has always held true to its mantra of ‘as little as possible, as much as necessary’, and I think we should stress that over the next TTF period, this remains a relevant principle.
“Reductions in antibiotic use can only be made by balancing the health needs of animals under our care with a functioning and sustainable agricultural sector.
“We will continue to need antibiotics in our health toolbox, but we also need vaccines, skilled and dedicated stock people and vets, and a supportive farming infrastructure around us.”
In response to the report Abi Seager, CEO at the VMD, said: “VMD welcomes the third set of targets, which reflect the sectors’ long-standing commitment to tackle AMR and continuing their journey of responsible antibiotic stewardship, since the establishment of the RUMA Targets Task Force in 2016.
“We look forward to the ongoing collaboration between industry and government to improve animal health and antibiotic stewardship.”
The TTF3 targets report, and all previous TTF reports, can be accessed here.
Image © RUMA
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