Louth IFA reacts to WHO recommendations on use of antibiotics on farms

Commenting on the WHO recommendations in relation to antibiotic use in animals, Louth IFA Animal Health Chairman Edward O’ Malley, said it is critically important that decisions are strongly supported by factual evidence.

He said addressing AMR (anti-microbial resistance) and prolonging the effectiveness of antibiotics for humans and animals is a key objective for all. 

“It requires a multi-faceted, fact-based, long-term approach which avoids populist conclusions based on low quality or very low-quality evidence of improving the AMR situation that do not address the real causes of antimicrobial resistance. If this is allowed happen, we will all be the losers.”

The IFA Chairman said the use of antibiotics on farms is already heavily regulated. Today’s recommendations are in general already being implemented by Irish farmers, with all products available only under veterinary prescription to farmers. 

“Farmers will play their part and have in the past number of years made significant investment in raising the health status of their animals through the implementation of disease eradication programmes which reduce the requirement for antibiotics", he continued. 

Mr. O’Malley said farmers must be supported in this approach, with recognition of the costs involved and assurances that trade deals do not expose Irish and European farmers to unfair competition from areas where less exacting standards are applied.

He said retailers have a huge role to play in ensuring their tactics are not forcing producers to produce food at prices below the cost of production.  

Mr. O'Malley went on to say we need to consider very carefully, the consequences of reducing necessary antibiotic use in animals, which can have serious animal welfare and health implications and increase production costs for very little if any contribution towards reducing antimicrobial resistance.

He concluded by saying farmers will play their part, but if we are really serious about addressing the AMR issue, the major contributors to antimicrobial resistance are not to be found inside the farm gate.