The BPC’s Antibiotic Stewardship programme has been presented on the international stage in Hong Kong this week. Following an invitation from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, in conjunction with the Government of Hong Kong, BPC Chairman, John Reed, presented our work to an audience of officials, vets, farmers, and the regional poultry associations.
John Reed said: “We are absolutely delighted to share the experiences of the British poultry meat sector with the Government and poultry industry in Hong Kong. We have worked hard, and shown that a responsible approach can reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock. I hope others can learn from our efforts, and it is only through an open approach that we can address the global issue of antimicrobial resistance.”
The British poultry meat sector reduced the use of antibiotics in its livestock by 43% between 2011 and 2015. This began with a comprehensive monitoring system, implementation of new best practice methods, commitments to minimise the use of Critically Important Antibiotics (CIAs), and the cessation of prophylactic use in flocks.
The BPC is committed to continuing its Antibiotic Stewardship programme and the report for use in 2016 will be published in May.
Mr Reed concluded: “The British Government and British poultry meat industry have together stepped-up to tackle antibiotic use, and we’re among the world leaders for knowledge and best practice. In both human and animal health, antibiotics will always be needed but we’re confident that by working with Government the poultry meat sector is firmly on the right track of responsible use.”
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