2004 animal antimicrobial figures show care for animal health

NOAH has welcomed the publication by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate of the 2004 figures for antimicrobial use in the UK. The UK is one of the few countries where such information is published.

The report showed the use of antimicrobial growth promoters to have fallen by 11% in 2004, well in advance of the cut-off of the phase out at the end of this year. A small increase in therapeutic antimicrobials, prescribed by veterinary surgeons to treat disease, was shown.

“Those involved in livestock faming have been actively involved in reducing the need to use antibiotics, for example through the work of RUMA, and its revised responsible use guidelines, reissued this autumn,” said NOAH chief executive Phil Sketchley. “Antibiotics continue to be used responsibly by the veterinary profession and livestock farmers, for the benefit of animal health and welfare. While we agree with the sentiment ‘as little as possible’, the other side of the coin ‘as much as needed’ is equally true to ensure animals are healthy and do not suffer from bacterial infections.’ These usage figures show not only the commitment of veterinary surgeons and farmers to reducing the need to treat animals, but also shows their commitment to the health and welfare of their flock or herd.”

“Everyone in the food chain acknowledges the need to use antibiotics responsibly,” added Mr Sketchley.

21 December 2005

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Phil Sketchley or Stephen Dawson at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131, or by email noah@noah.co.uk or visit the NOAH website.

2. The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association has 32 corporate members and 13 associate members. In 2004 NOAH's members accounted for well over 90% of the £420 million UK animal health market.

3. RUMA (The Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance) was set up in November 1997 to promote the highest standards of food safety, animal health and animal welfare in British livestock farming. It launched the original cattle guidelines in June 2000. Since that time the guidelines have been used as part of farm assurance schemes. There are other guidelines for the responsible use of antimicrobials in pigs, poultry, sheep and fish. See www.ruma.org.uk for more information or contact Dr Tony Andrews at RUMA on 01438717900, or email info@ruma.org.uk.

4. RUMA is a non governmental non profit making organisation which includes members at all stages of food production chain. Amongst its aims is "To establish and communicate guidelines which describe "best practice" in the use of medicines."

5. The report on sales of antimicrobial products in 2004, produced by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, shows the sales of antimicrobial growth promoters fell by 11 per cent in 2004 while total sales of therapeutic antimicrobials for use in all animals increased by five per cent. See www.vmd.gov.uk for a full copy of the report.

6. Other findings include:

• Sales of coccidiostats decreased by nine tonnes (four per cent).

• Within the total sales of antimicrobials, sales of tetracyclines increased by 31 tonnes (15 per cent). The increase was for products authorised for use in pigs and poultry.

• Sales of therapeutic antiprotozoals increased by three tonnes (150 per cent), to five tonnes so still remained at a low level compared to other groups of antimicrobials. This follows a reduction in sales from 27 tonnes in 2002 to two tonnes in 2003.