The British poultry sector reduced the use of antibiotics by 82% in six years
The British Poultry Council, in its latest report on antibiotic management, noted the significant progress made in the poultry meat sector.
The report emphasizes that over the past six years, the sector has reduced the total use of antibiotics by 82% and showed a reduction in total use of antibiotics by 39.36% last year. In particular, over the past six years, there has been a 91% reduction in the use of fluoroquinolones (a critically important antibiotic for human health).
“The poultry is half the meat consumed in the UK, and we use less than 9.7% of the total number of antibiotics licensed to farm animals for food,” said John Reed, chairman of the Poultry Board. “We have successfully reduced the use of antibiotics by 82% in the past six years and stopped all preventive therapies, as well as the use of colistin .Antibiotics, which are critical to humans, are used only as a “last resort”.
At the same time, Mr. Reed spoke out against the complete cancelation of use of antibiotics in livestock: “Our farmers and veterinarians need antibiotics as their tools for preserving the health and well-being of our poultry. Responsible use of antibiotics means much more than a simple reduction in the use of drugs. And zero use is not ethical or justified, because it contradicts the obligations of farmers to alleviate pain and suffering in animals. “
Source: agroxxi.ru
