Farm Animal Guidelines

Information Note on Antibiotic Resistance and the Responsible Use of Antibiotics in Farm Animals

RUMA’s briefing paper aims to:

1. Explain antibiotic resistance and why it matters to human and animal health
2. Set out why and how antibiotics are used in UK farms
3. Identify the risks to public health from use of antibiotics in farming
4. Explain the responsible use of antibiotics in farming
5. Identify the changes in legislative controls (for antibiotic use in veterinary medicines and feed additives) that RUMA believes are appropriate and proportionate to manage the limited risk of antibiotic use in farm animals leading to clinical treatment problems in humans

RUMA guidelines for the responsible use of vaccines and vaccination by farm animal producers have been designed to give easy-to-read guiding principles that can be used by all producers in the management of their herds or flocks.

RUMA Alliance member BVA (British Veterinary Association) has issued guidance on the responsible use of antimicrobials – a poster for display about the responsible use of antimicrobials in veterinary practice.

Antimicrobials are essential for the treatment and prevention of the spread of infectious and zoonotic bacterial diseases in both animals and humans.

• Every use increases the risk of selection for resistant bacteria
• Responsible use optimises therapeutic effects while minimising the risk of selection for resistant bacteria
• Responsible use — correct antimicrobial: as little as possible, as much as necessary

Download the BVA Antimicrobials Poster here.