Following the publication of the latest EU summary report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food, AnimalhealthEurope reconfirms the animal medicines industry’s strong commitment to fighting antibiotic resistance.

Based on data submitted by 28 EU Member States and jointly analysed by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control), the report indicates that bacteria from humans and animals continue to show resistance to antimicrobials. 

“Although resistance to some critically important antibiotics in the study was detected at very low levels in animals, the animal health industry in Europe acknowledges its responsibility and remains firmly committed to playing an active role in addressing the One Health challenge of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics will always be an important resource for vets to manage disease in animals, and our commitment to safeguarding their efficacy is unwavering. Our long-term partnerships and promotion of Responsible Use through stakeholder platforms such as EPRUMA* demonstrate that the industry is in this fight for the long-run,” commented Roxane Feller, AnimalhealthEurope Secretary General. 

AnimalhealthEurope has previously published an overview of actions the animal medicines industry is taking in Europe, to promote the responsible use of antibiotics and preserve their continued efficacy. The association is also a signatory to the global ‘Animal health sector commitments and actions on antibiotic use‘, which is supported by over 200 companies and associations, and 700,000 veterinarians worldwide.

Ends

Notes for Editors:

·European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis called for all sectors to “renew our commitment to fight antimicrobial resistance by focusing on the key areas set out in the EU One Health Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance” on publication of the report.

·An overview of the European animal medicines industry’s actions to address antibiotic resistance can be found on: AnimalhealthEurope.eu/AntibioticAction

·Infographic: Why vets need antibiotics for animal health

·*EPRUMA – the European Platform for Responsible Use of Medicines in Animals – is a 12 year-old initiative bringing together farmers, veterinarians, pharmacists, manufacturers, and other involved parties.

·AnimalhealthEurope is the representative body of manufacturers of veterinary medicines, vaccines and other animal health products in Europe. It represents innovators and generics alike, as well as large, medium-sized and small companies. AnimalhealthEurope promotes a single market in veterinary medicines across the EU ensuring the availability of medicines to protect the health and welfare of animals.

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