UK-VARSS report shows the power of working together to reduce the need for antibiotics
11th November 2019
NOAH welcomes the latest annual Veterinary Antibiotic Resistance Sales and Surveillance (UK-VARSS) report, published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). This showed sales of antibiotics for use in food-producing animals as having reduced by 53% in just four years between 2014 – 2018 and is a sign of the commitment of those involved with producing food from animals to playing their part in tackling AMR.
“These results demonstrate the power of working together,” explains NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard. “Much work has been done through RUMA, the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance, and NOAH has been involved with its Targets Task Force. Our particular focus has been on the development of our AMBP (Animal Medicines Best Practice) training programme, launched last year and proving to be a really useful tool for farmers and vets, particularly since it is now a way for dairy farmers to be compliant with recent Red Tractor dairy standards changes.
“It is also encouraging to see, in parallel with the reduction in need for antibiotics, a parallel rise in vaccination of cattle and sheep, to one of the highest levels in seven years. We believe this shows farmers understand better the role good welfare and husbandry plays in helping reduce the risk of disease spread, and therefore the need for antibiotic treatments. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that, when animals suffer from bacterial infections, it is responsible that a vet prescribes the appropriate antibiotic to protect their health and welfare,” she said.
While these figures demonstrate excellent progress, there is still work to do. “NOAH will be leading the #VaccinesWork campaign this autumn, not only promoting the benefits of vaccination but also giving tips to ensure that vaccines are stored and used correctly to ensure that they retain their full efficacy.
“We will also be using the opportunity of European Antibiotic Awareness Day on 18 November to explain how our industry is united in action to promote better health and a reduced need for antibiotics,” Dawn added. “The prevention of disease wherever possible will have major animal health and welfare benefits and will also help to ensure that antibiotics remain effective in the future.”
Notes for Editors
For further information please contact glennon@noah.co.uk or call 020 8367 3131
NOAH represents the UK animal health industry. We promote the benefits of safe, effective, quality products and services for the health and welfare of all animals. For further information, please visit: noah.co.uk
UK-VARSS 2018 figures are available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterinary-antimicrobial-resistance-and-sales-surveillance-2018
For more details of AMBP see https://www.noah.co.uk/services/farmer-training/
AHDB vaccine figures are explained at https://www.farmantibiotics.org/tool_links/new-cattle-sheep-vaccine-figures-show-increased-uptake/