INFORMATION BULLETIN
Date: 20 December 2007
Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960
Sales of veterinary antimicrobials and review of antimicrobial resistance policy across Defra
Defra has today published a report on sales of veterinary therapeutic antimicrobials for 2006.
Antimicrobials are chemicals such as antibiotics, used in veterinary and human medicine. The UK is one of only a few countries in the world that publishes such a report.
The report, produced by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, shows that total sales of therapeutic antimicrobials have decreased by 41 tonnes in 2006, compared with 2005. The report also includes for the first time data on the amounts of antimicrobials imported legally into the UK.
Other findings include a decrease in sales of antimicrobials for food-producing animals, and no sales of antimicrobial growth promoters following a ban on their use and sale which was introduced from 1 January 2006.
Defra has also today published a policy statement on antimicrobial resistance (the ability of organisms to resist treatment with antimicrobials) following a review of Government policy in this area. This statement confirms that the Government will seek to reduce the impact of antimicrobial resistance in organisms associated with public health and animal health in a proportionate way.
Further information
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in human medicine has led to increasing concern about the use of antimicrobials in medicine, veterinary medicine, animal production, agriculture and horticulture.
In response to recommendations made by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological
Safety of Food, in March 1999 the Government announced the development of a strategy aimed at reducing veterinary use of antimicrobials.
More information on antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance can be found at www.vmd.gov.uk.
Both the Antimicrobial Sales Data Reports and the Review of Policy can be accessed through the VMD website at www.vmd.gov.uk under the publications and antibiotic related tabs.
End
Public enquiries: 08459 335577
News releases available on our website:
www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
Page published: 20 December 2007