December 13, 2011

The German Poultry Association (ZDG) and German Farmers Association (DBV) have mutually agreed to advocate the German Antibiotic Strategy which has seen a reduction in the use of antibiotics in farms over recent years.

However, the ZDG and DBV agree that there must be significantly more animal production in the future without antibiotics. Only in this way will consumers maintain the high regard they have for the nation's meat producers.

That said, both parties mentioned that the complete absence of antibiotics in animal management would violate the Animal Welfare Act, as farmers would not be able to treat suffering animals.

Finally, it was decided that an improved system to monitor the use of antibiotics should be developed through a Quality Assurance Scheme.