Responsible Use of Fluoroquinolones - Animal Medicine Industry Statement

The National Office of Animal Health today launched an industry statement on the responsible use of fluoroquinolones.

Speaking in London, NOAH director Roger Cook said: 'All animal medicines are controlled stringently in their licensing and use. But, recognising the particular need to maintain the availability and efficacy of fluoroquinolones for both humans and animals, the industry has developed a position on what constitutes their responsible use, as an extra guide to the veterinary profession and animal medicine industry.

'This reiterates the importance of sticking to the letter of the law when using these products and in advertising their use. It highlights the role of therapeutic treatment within total health management such as vaccination and good animal care. And it clears up misconceptions surrounding their use: fluoroquinolones are not licensed for use as growth promoters and should not be used in this manner,' he said.

Mr Cook added: 'We know the British Veterinary Association is in the final stages of preparing guidelines for responsible antibiotic use, which should build on those prepared by the European animal medicine industry in 1996. We hope this statement will give extra backing to these codes.'

15 June 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. Fluoroquinolones are antimicrobials used therapeutically for treatment of sensitive bacterial and mycoplasmal disease in farm and pet species. They are administered parenterally (injection), orally as tablets or in water, and therapeutically in feed (fish only) in the UK.
4. The industry statement is attached.

Industry Statement

Responsible Use of Fluoroquinolones

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are recognised to make an important contribution to the treatment of disease in both human and animal patients. The UK Animal Medicine Industry re-emphasises the following principles which guide their responsible marketing and use:-

1. As with all animal diseases, management programmes such as vaccination and appropriate animal care should be used, as relevant, to reduce disease and the need for therapeutic intervention.
2. To be used for indications specified in the UK Marketing Authorisation and in accordance with current UK and EU legislation:-
   • Fluoroquinolones are classified POM (prescription only medicine - only available on veterinary prescription).
   • Only for therapeutic use on the basis of professional experience of the individual case or farm and, where clinical circumstances allow, following sensitivity testing to determine the most suitable treatment.
   • Fluoroquinolones are not licensed for use as growth promoters and should not be used in this manner, which would be contrary to the "Swann" principle of reserving non-therapeutic antibiotics for this purpose.
3. Advertising must comply with the requirements of the NOAH Code of Practice for the Promotion of Animal Medicine and current UK Legislation.

The Industry looks forward to collaborating with the Authorities on the development and interpretation of monitoring programmes designed to identify meaningful changes in the sensitivity of human and animal pathogens. We will work with the Veterinary and Medical professions to develop the data necessary to enable scientifically valid decisions to be taken on the appropriate selection and use of antibiotics in humans and animals.