RUMA seeks balanced debate on use of antimicrobials in animals

RUMA is aware of a call from the Save Our Antibiotics Alliance for the use of Fluoroquinolones in poultry to be banned.

RUMA does not agree that such a step is warranted and is concerned that in some cases such a move could have negative outcomes for poultry health and welfare. RUMA Secretary General John FitzGerald said “there is much debate in many scientific and regulatory circles on how to manage the risk of antimicrobial resistance in humans and animals and the concern that animal use of antimicrobials may have harmful effects on human treatment. RUMA welcomes this debate and, in particular, the contribution from scientific studies which allow measured and effective risk management action to be taken.”

Three RUMA members, the British Poultry Council, the British Veterinary Association and the National Farmers’ Union, have all commented directly on the Save Our Antibiotics Alliance proposal. Mr FitzGerald welcomed these balanced responses. He said “antimicrobial resistance is a complex issue and all groups need to work together to develop decisions based on sound science to manage the risks while allowing the optimum benefit to be gained from the use of antimicrobials to treat humans and animals.”

The BPC, BVA and NFU have pointed out that

Only relatively very small amounts of Fluoroquinolones are prescribed for poultry in the UK. Fluoroquinolones are not licensed for use in laying birds and are rarely used for flocks producing meat for consumption.

Antibiotics are prescribed for use in poultry flocks only on the basis of a veterinary risk assessment of need and sensitivity testing to determine the effectiveness of the intended antibiotic selected.

Previous attempts to minimise antibiotic resistance through prohibitions and bans have not had the desired result. An example is in Denmark where restrictive controls on the use of Fluoroquinolones in animals do not appear to have reduced the incidence of resistance in Campylobacter jejuni in human cases to these compounds.

Mr FitzGerald added that antibiotics have a role in the health of both humans and animals, and careful and prudent use is necessary in both to ensure their availability and effectiveness is preserved for essential needs in the future.