February 9, 2011

European Parliament raises concerns on antibiotic use in livestock

The European Parliament has brought up concerns on using antibiotics in livestock along with the potential threats for bacterial resistance in animals.

The agricultural commission of the European Parliament has raised additional questions about what the call "a gigantic problem to tackle". However, they still acknowledge the need to be able to treat animals with animals when needed.

In May last year, the Parliament already asked the European Commission to tackle the antibiotic resistance issue. The agricultural commission now wants to know what has been done so far and which measures are being taken on the short term.

Around 50% of the antibiotic use in the EU is said to be traced back to livestock antibiotic use.