INFORMATION BULLETIN
Date: 20 August 2008
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Sales Of Veterinary Antimicrobials In The UK In 2007
Defra has today published a report on sales of veterinary therapeutic antimicrobials for 2007. Antimicrobials are chemicals, such as antibiotics, used in veterinary and human medicine. The UK is one of only a few countries in the world that publishes such a report. The report, produced by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), shows that total sales of therapeutic antimicrobials have decreased by 18 tonnes in 2007, compared with 2006. The report also includes data on the amounts of antimicrobials imported into the UK in 2007 under the VMD’s import schemes. Other findings include a decrease in sales of antimicrobials for food producing animals, and no sales of antimicrobial growth promoters following a ban on their use and sale which was introduced from 1 January 2006.
Notes to editors
- The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in human medicine has led to increasing concern about the use of antimicrobials in medicine, veterinary medicine, animal production, agriculture and horticulture.
- In response to recommendations made by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food, in March 1999 the Government announced the development of a strategy aimed at reducing veterinary use of antimicrobials.
- More information on antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance can be found at www.vmd.gov.uk.
- The Antimicrobial Sales Data Reports can be accessed through the VMD website at www.vmd.gov.uk under the publications and antibiotic related tabs.
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Page published: 20 August 2008