New targets for the responsible use of antibiotics in UK farm animals over the next four years have been released.

Abi Reader NFU Cymru Dairy Board Chair said “I am proud to be part of the UK farming industry that takes the responsible use of antibiotics in farm animals seriously. There has been a 50% reduction in antibiotic use in farm animals since 2014 and critically important antibiotic use was down by 74% compared to 2016 from an already low level. I am heartened to see that the UK is the fifth lowest user of antibiotics across all European countries, with only Nordic countries lower. It is vital that we continue to make progress in this area, it will be critical for the industry going forward.”

Wyn Evans Chairman of NFU Cymru Livestock Board added “There is not a drive to remove the use of antibiotics completely, instead there is focus on only using them when necessary, under veterinary supervision. Critical to this is the availability and cost effectiveness of vaccines, as disease prevention is always better than finding a cure, so partnership working with one of the 5,500 practising farm vets in the UK is critical. Initiatives like the Gwaredu BVD scheme, which focuses on cattle in Wales, are important as we strive to get the healthiest and most productive cattle and sheep here in Wales.”

More information is available here - https://www.ruma.org.uk/new-antibiotic-targets-for-uk-farm-animals-build-on-previous-success/