July 21, 2010

AVMA cautions against antimicrobials ban

 

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) cautioned against federal bans on the judicious use of antimicrobials in animal agriculture.

Testifying before members of the US House of Representative's Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, AVMA's Christine Hoang reiterated the association's stance that such bans can have far-reaching impacts on both animal and human health. Hoang also emphasised the veterinarian's duty in promoting both public health and protecting animal health and welfare.

She reassured members of Congress that veterinarians share the same concerns as their human health counterparts.

The AVMA's Antimicrobial Use Task Force, Hoang testified, recently concluded that veterinarians should be involved in the decision-making process for the use of all antimicrobials in animals, whether the drugs are obtained through prescriptions, Veterinary Feed Directives or over-the-counter.

"Without exception, the AVMA is supportive of measures to mitigate risks to human health associated with the use of antimicrobials in agricultural animals," she said.

She also noted that to avoid potential diversion of resources away from more appropriate disease-control measures, we encourage a regulatory strategy that is based on science, risk-and-benefit analysis, risk management that is commensurate with the level of risk, and cooperation with all relevant stakeholders.