British poultry industry has reduced the use of antibiotics by 82%
The latest report from British Poultry Council (BPC) on the antibiotic stewardship shows that the sector has reduced the use of drugs on birds by 82% in the last six years, almost half of that ratio (39.36%) being achieved between 2016-2017. Also, the use of Fluoroquinolones (Critically Important Antibiotic for human health) in the last six years (2012-2017) has been reduced by 91%, informs the Council.
"Poultry is half of the meat eaten in the UK and we use less than 9.7% of the total antibiotics licensed for food-producing animals. We have successfully reduced our antibiotic use by 82% in the last six years and have stopped all preventative treatments as well as the use of colistin. The highest priority antibiotics that are critically important for humans are used only as a ‘last resort’.", explained BPC Chairman, John Reed. Nevertheless, a zero use cannot be achieved, as Reed said. "Zero use is neither ethical nor sustainable as it goes against farmers’ duty to alleviate pain and suffering.", he added.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, congratulated the members of the Council for this significant results. "Continuously reviewing on-farm biosecurity and disease management practices whilst ensuring prudent use of antibiotics is integral to the sustainability of British agriculture", she said.
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