Measures must be science-based says BVA

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warned that political measures to reduce antimicrobial resistance in Europe and the UK are in danger of becoming automatic reactions that are not based on science.

In light of European Antibiotic Awareness Day, the BVA has told vets that they must use these medicines responsibly, and be seen to use them responsibly, or risk having restrictions imposed on their use by legislators using the precautionary principle.

The association promotes responsible use as a member of the RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture) Alliance, which contributes significantly to Europe-wide guidance on antimicrobial use. The BVA also has a responsible use poster and a webinar resource.

BVA President Peter Jones delivered the webinar to mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day, called 'Resisting antimicrobials – are we acting responsibly?'.

The BVA also successfully lobbied for the responsible use of medicines to be enshrined in the new Code of Professional Conduct to which all veterinary surgeons in the UK must adhere.

“Any measures to tackle antimicrobial resistance must be based on sound science," said Mr Jones. "At the moment we are resisting calls from parliamentarians and pressure groups in Europe and the UK to significantly restrict a veterinary surgeon’s right to prescribe and dispense medicines according to clinical and professional judgement.

“These calls do not reflect the available science. We know from the USA and Denmark that banning or restricting the use of certain antimicrobials in certain species has not reduced the incidence of resistance to certain organisms in humans.

"Banning the veterinary use of antimicrobials could have a severe impact on animal health and welfare without achieving the desired impact in humans."