The workshop programme featured concrete examples on how public authorities and stakeholders in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom are implementing best practices on the use of veterinary medicines, including antibiotics. IFAH-Europe insisted on the need for an improved communication towards general public/citizens regarding the use of medicines in animals. In line with a recent Eurobarometer study that showed only 37% of Europeans is aware of the ban on antibiotic growth promoters in animal feed, results of a poll IFAH-Europe commissioned showed that 46% of participants believe that animals receive antibiotics routinely.
The DG SANTE Head of Unit in charge of antimicrobial resistance, Koen van Dyck, gave an overview of current Commission actions in support of to fight against AMR. Following “fact finding missions” in the Member States, he stated the next steps in the EU action plan on AMR were identified. He highlighted the need to pursue the efforts to reinforce the One-Health approach by making the EU a best practice region (e.g. increase public awareness), stimulate research & innovation (e.g. new antimicrobial drugs, rapid diagnosis tests, vaccines) and shape global action outside the EU via FAO/OIE/WHO.
At the event, EPRUMA partners (including FEFAC) signed a declaration emphasising their commitment to pursuing common objectives for the coming years. These include promoting animal health and welfare through the responsible use of veterinary medicines; facilitating coordination and exchange of information on best practices; and encouraging greater cooperation between national governments and stakeholders.
All presentations given at the workshop can be found here.