March 12, 2010

Philippines cuts in-feed antibiotic use in 2009

The usage of antibiotics in animal feed in the Philippines declined sharply last year as the country moved to stop the use of various drugs that could cause health problems for consumers.

The National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) said total use of antibiotics such as tetracycline and neomycin reached 998 tonnes, a drop of 18% from 1,211 tonnes for 2008.

 
It said compared to 2001, when 1,595 tonnes of antibiotics were used in feed, there was a 37% drop in volume. "The decline reflects efforts carried out from 2005 to cut back on antibiotics that can cause dangerous tolerance reactions in humans," a NVRQS official said.

 
He said the decline in use of drugs were pronounced in cattle feed that fell 36% on-year, while numbers for pigs and chickens declined 17-20% from the year before.

 
The quarantine service under the farm ministry said it will continue to monitor antibiotic dosages in feed and carry out research that can help reduce drug use down the road.