Lack of investment to develop new effective antibiotics or feasible alternatives to cure animals is one of the reasons why antimicrobial resistance has worsened says Copa-Cogeca.
Delivering a farm-based view of the resistance challenge on European Antibiotic Awareness Day (November 18), Copa-Cogeca secretary-general, Pekka Pesonen, urged farmers to play a full part in ensuring veterinary medicines were used appropriately. He then added, however, that when animals become ill they need to be given effective medicines for both animal health and welfare reasons.
“Appropriate therapy and veterinary medicines must be available in all Member States and for all species,” he said, stressing that this needed to include minor species, which currently faced a “severe lack” of veterinary medicines.
In addition to highlighting the current lack of investment in new product development, he also called on all sides to work together to seek a solution to current resistance issues.
“A responsible use of antimicrobial agents along the whole food chain is vital,” he said, adding that this meant establishing a shared involvement between veterinarians, farmers, the entire food chain and public authorities.