A new Code of Good Practice for responsible use of antimicrobials on poultry farms has been launched by the Department of Agriculture.
Developed collaboratively by farmers, veterinary practitioners and the iNAP animal health committee, the code will provide a reference point for the industry to improve flock health and reduce the use of antibiotics.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the resistance of a micro-organism to a drug that was officially effective for treatment of infections caused by that micro-organism.
Launching the code, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said: “AMR is one of the most serious global public health challenges which threatens to undo a century of progress in human medicine, with many infections worldwide becoming increasingly difficult to treat.”
The Irish poultry industry supports 6,000 jobs, many of which are in rural areas.
Mr McConalogue highlighted the code’s key principle ‘Prevention is Better than Cure’ and said implementing the disease prevention and farm management practices in the new code will support the poultry industry as they tackle AMR and work to reduce the need for antimicrobial medicines.
“Actions taken by the poultry sector to improve animal health and prevent disease, are key to reducing the use of antibiotics and effectively tackle AMR,” he added.
LSL News.