House of Commons Early Day Motion came under attack

The Responsible Use of Antibiotics in Farming Alliance (RUMA) has criticised a House of Commons early day motion (EDM) on the use of antibiotics in intensive farming, which called on the Government to take action to reduce the use of antibiotics by vets and farmers and to phase out the 'routine use' of prophylactic antibiotics in the interest of public health.

Motion 566 was not debated in the Commons, but secretary general of RUMA, John Fitzgerald, believes just the fact it was put forward demonstrates a lack of understanding of the basic facts.

He commented: "RUMA is disappointed by this EDM, which repeats and relies on some of the myths on the use of antibiotics in agriculture and the impact has on antibiotic resistance in humans.

"RUMA supports the responsible use of all medicines and is concerned that simplistic numerical targets of reduced use can encourage irresponsible use; for example reduced dosage or time of treatment, which would increase the risk of resistance."

He added: "There are many disease scenarios in livestock animals where prophylactic use of antibiotics is an essential part of responsible veterinary care for the protection of animal health and welfare

"It but be emphasised that any preventative and control treatment of animals is always under the control of the prescribing veterinary surgeon who will use diagnostic, clinical and epidemiological information to inform their prescribing decisions."