NOAH astonished by Committee report

The National Office of Animal Health expresses great concern over comments made on the use of antibiotics in agriculture, included in the House of Commons Agriculture Select Committee report "Food Safety" published today. Although not in the Committee's original terms of reference NOAH offered to give evidence on the subject of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the use of antibiotics on farms. This offer was not taken up by the Committee.

NOAH's original letter of evidence to the Committee said: 'Please note that we have not included comments on the question of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the use of antibiotics on farms as the topic is not raised in your Inquiry agenda, but we would be pleased to respond on this subject if requested'.

Given their failure to examine the evidence offered Roger Cook, NOAH's director said "We are astonished by the Committee's decision to make some very strong recommendations on this subject."

The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology took a much more considered line on the use of antibiotics in agriculture, in its report on antibiotic resistance issued last week. Their report followed nine months of detailed investigation into the subject and the vast majority of its recommendations related to medicinal use - the prime cause of resistance development in human treatment.

"We are particularly concerned that an agricultural committee, in making its recommendations, appears to have taken no account of their serious implications for animal welfare, the environment or the competitiveness of UK farming." said Mr Cook.

"The sad thing is that we would be very pleased to support, and welcome, nearly all of the Committee's proposals on other matters.

"We particularly welcome the Committee's view that the Food Standards Agency should 'make decisions and take actions on the basis that (its) decisions and actions should be proportionate to the risk; pay due regard to costs as well as benefits to those affected by them; and avoid over regulation'.

"The whole question of antibiotic resistance is the subject of international scientific debate: there is a European scientific review of growth promoters already underway and an EU Commission antibiotic sensitivity scheme due to be completed by the end of 1999. But the Select Committee chose to speak out on this complex topic without obtaining evidence from those involved.

"The animal health industry together with the veterinary food and farming sectors, fully support the call for prudent use of antibiotics. There already exists stringent legislative controls and the industry has a long history of self regulation and co-operation with EU and UK authorities. We look forward to continuing to work with them on all issues relating to food safety and use of antibiotics for animals" said Mr Cook.

29 April 1998

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Roger Cook or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)181 367 3131
2. The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent the UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association now represents 53 companies which in 1997 accounted for around 95% of the £379 million UK animal health market, with additional valuable exports.
3. The House of Commons Agriculture Committee Fourth Report of Food Safety is published on 29 April 1998.
4. The Report's recommendations relating to antibiotics are 'We consider the evidence of transfer of antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms from animals to humans through food to be approaching conclusiveness, and with the consequences of this potentially so serious, we favour a ban on the use of antibiotics in farming as growth promoters, and tighter restrictions on their use for subtherapeutic or prophylactic purposes. Every effort should be made to develop vaccines as alternatives to antibiotics for therapeutic purposes'.
5. Copies of the NOAH evidence are available on request.