British Veterinarian Group Updates Policy on Antimicrobials in Food-Animals

May 21, 2019 — 

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued an updated policy position on responsible antimicrobial use in food-producing animals. [Source: CIDRAP 15 May 2019]

Citing a need for a collaborative One Health approach to the issue of antimicrobial resistance, the updated policy proposes 15 overarching recommendations for veterinarians, farmers, and policy makers on antimicrobial stewardship in food-animal production. It recommends that veterinarians carefully consider their use of antimicrobials in food animals, pay attention to the risk of resistance, and restrict the use of critically important antibiotics (as defined by the European Medicines Agency) to last-resort scenarios, while also urging that critically important antimicrobials be kept as a treatment option, in the interest of animal welfare.

The updated policy also calls for prioritizing development of effective diagnostic tools for animal illness, including rapid diagnostic tests; government incentives to improve husbandry and biosecurity measures on farms; farm assurance schemes that require commitment to responsible antimicrobial use; empowering farmers to work with vets to ensure the responsible use of antimicrobial on farms; and collaboration between government, veterinarians, and farmers on rational targets for reducing antimicrobial usage.

In addition, the policy reiterates that veterinarians should be guided by the BVA's seven principles on responsible antimicrobial use, which include avoiding inappropriate use and working with farmers to avoid the need for antimicrobials.

"Antimicrobial resistance is a shared problem that must be addressed by medical, veterinary, and environmental professionals collaboratively and not subject to a culture of blame," BVA president Simon Doherty said in a press release. "BVA is committed to providing continued leadership on the issue."

Doherty noted that ongoing efforts by veterinarians, farmers, and industry have already contributed to a 40% reduction in the sales of antibiotics for use in food-producing animals in the United Kingdom over the past 5 years.

May 10 BVA policy position

May 10 BVA press release