October 26, 2016

International Poultry Council to begin work on AMR Report

At the International Poultry Council (IPC)'s second semester conference in Estoril, Portugal, delegates representing the poultry industries in more than 20 countries discussed the issue of antimicrobial resistance and agreed to issue a comprehensive report in the next several months.

"The International Poultry Council shares the public's concern about antibiotic resistance, which is an issue of global significance," said IPC President Jim Sumner, president of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council. "IPC recognises the need for collaborative efforts among governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations and the poultry sector to minimise the development and transfer of antibiotic resistance."

The IPC has been engaged on the issue of antibiotic resistance for several years, and issued a position statement on the prudent and judicious use of antibiotics in poultry production in 2015. Sumner said that the recent United Nations ministerial meeting on antimicrobial resistance has increased global visibility on the issue, particularly among international livestock organisations.

Sumner added that the veterinary use of antibiotics and other interventions are effective and necessary tools to keep birds healthy. "It's important that our industry maintain access to these forms of treatment, to ensure that they are used responsibly under veterinary supervision, and only when necessary," he said. "Responsible use of antibiotics when treating not only poultry but all livestock is critical to minimise agriculture's potential contribution to antibiotic resistance."

Sumner and other IPC representatives met last week in Paris with Dr. Monique Eliot, the new director general of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).