ANTIBIOTIC RELATED ISSUES
Phasing Out of Antimicrobial Growth Promoters
Background
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Antimicrobial growth promoters are now banned in Europe.
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With the emergence of concerns about antimicrobial resistance in both human and veterinary medicines and, in particular, the impact of resistance on the ability to treat humans, it was decided in 1999 to ban some antimicrobial growth promoters. The products that were banned were those that contained antimicrobials that were also used in the treatment of humans.
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The European Union banned the use of the remaining antimicrobial growth promoters from 1 January 2006 on a precautionary basis. There is no evidence that these antimicrobial growth promoters have led to any antimicrobial resistance problems in humans but it is generally considered across the EU that it is prudent to remove any risk that such problems may occur from the use of these products.
Legislation
Related Research and Development
Alternatives to Animicrobial Growth Promoters
For information on farming after the phasing-out of antimicrobial growth promoters, including the role of alternative husbandry methods, you should consult your own veterinary practitioner.
Enquiries may also be directed to the British Food Animal Species Veterinary Groups:
British
Cattle Veterinary Association
British
Pig Association
British
Veterinary Poultry Association
Sheep
Veterinary Society
British
Veterinary Association
Pig
Veterinary Society
Responsible Use
Responsible Use of Medicines In Agriculture (RUMA) Alliance
VMD Code of Practice on the Responsible Use of
Medicines on the Farms
British Pig Executive (BPEX)
Guidance notes for producers coping with Antibiotic Growth Promoter removal
Last updated: 15/04/2008
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