29 November 2011

EUROPEAN COMMISSION ACTION PLAN AGAINST THE RISING THREATS FROM ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

RUMA (the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance) welcomes and strongly supports the European Commission Action Plan against the rising threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

The European Commission has recommended a holistic approach to the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance development in its Communication to the European Parliament and the Council, published on 17 November 2011. This approach is highlighted in the Plan’s aims to

1. mitigate the development of AMR through appropriate use of antimicrobials and promoting microbial diagnosis,

2. prevent microbial infections,

3. develop effective antimicrobials,

4. work with international partners and

5. use research and innovation to combat AMR.

In line with RUMA’s work, the Commission has emphasised the importance of responsible use of antimicrobials by all. The Commission will introduce recommendations for prudent use in veterinary medicine (Action 3) and RUMA would very much like to assist the Commission in this work.

RUMA has already developed species specific sets of detailed guidelines on good practice for antimicrobial use in animals  which promote health in all its aspects. Bio-security, good housing, good nutrition and health plans, coupled with appropriate vaccine use are all part of the Responsible Use approach and are recognised in the Commission’s plan. The RUMA guidelines are available in complementary versions for farmers and, in a more technical form, for veterinary surgeons and contain detailed guidance to help farmers and vets use antimicrobials responsibly.

RUMA welcomes the Commission’s proposals to strengthen and harmonise surveillance systems on AMR and antimicrobial consumption in both the human and animal sectors across the EU. AMR is a complex issue and some groups continue to use this to call for a reduction in the antimicrobials available for animal use. RUMA believes that any changes in animal or human use should be driven by sound science and such change should be evolutionary not revolutionary. Harmonised surveillance is vital so that the same things are measured in the same way to allow valid comparisons between human and animal use to be made.

RUMA also welcomes the Commission’s emphasis of the need for education campaigns throughout the EU. RUMA encourages the Commission to extend their laudable initiative to provide funds for training and education on responsible use of antimicrobials for professionals in the field of human medicines to those involved in veterinary sector.

Ends

Notes for editors

1. For further information contact RUMA secretary John FitzGerald on 01747 860867 or see the RUMA website www.ruma.org.uk

2. The Commission’s Action Plan is available at http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/health_consumer/docs/communication_amr_2011_748_en.pdf