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European Antibiotic Awareness Day: Collaborative action essential to combatting antibiotic resistance

Brussels, 18 November 2023
 

Speaking at the ECDC launch event (16th November 2015) of the 8th European Antibiotic Awareness Day, IFAH-Europe’s Secretary General Roxane Feller called for collaborative action from policymakers, scientists, industry, veterinarians, farmers, medical professionals, as well as the general public to address the issue of antibiotic resistance.

“Actions to reduce resistance to antibiotics should be taken in a One Health context with all sectors concerned combining efforts to develop science-based solutions. The main objective should be to reduce resistance to antibiotics, not simply to reduce antibiotic use,” said Ms. Feller.

The animal health industry in Europe actively promotes actions focusing on promoting the Responsible Use of medicines in animals and monitoring the use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine as well as the development of resistance. These actions need to be accompanied by a predictable, science-based environment that encourages investment both in improving existing antibiotics as well as researching innovative alternatives.

Responsible Use of antibiotics is only part of a spectrum of activities necessary to combat antibiotic resistance and maintain high standards of animal health. The animal health industry advocates that our products must be used in the context of good management of animals, bio-security measures, herd health plans, vaccination, accurate diagnosis and treatment under veterinary care and good record keeping.

IFAH-Europe is one of the founding partners of the European Platform for Responsible Use of Medicines in Animals (www.epruma.eu) and a strong supporter of the European Medicines Agency’s European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) reports.

View the video pledge on IFAH-Europe’s YouTube channel

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

IFAH-Europe is the representative body of manufacturers of veterinary medicines, vaccines and other animal health products in Europe. It promotes a single market in veterinary medicines across the EU ensuring the availability of medicines to protect the health and welfare of animals. Follow IFAH-Europe on Twitter: @IFAHEurope


European Antibiotic Awareness Day is an annual event taking place on 18 November to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance and the importance of prudent antibiotic use. It is now in its 8th year and the concept has become global with the WHO initiating a World Antibiotic Awareness Week from 16-22 November 2015.

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