Restrictions on the use of antibiotics on healthy farm animals have been approved by the European Parliament in an attempt to combat the growth of antibiotic resistance. The legislation, which will come into effect by 2022, bans the use of human reserve antibiotics on animals and also the use of unprescribed animal antimicrobials. Antibiotics are routinely used on farms to prevent or contain disease. At least 25,000 people die each year in Europe from antimicrobial-resistant infections. In a statement released today, MEPs said that they were “deeply concerned” about the new legislation as it would allow for “the widespread use of medically unnecessary antibiotics”.
Restrictions on the use of antibiotics on healthy farm animals have been approved by the European Parliament in an attempt to combat the growth of antibiotic resistance. The legislation, which will come into effect by 2022, bans the use of human reserve antibiotics on animals and also the use of unprescribed animal antimicrobials. Antibiotics are routinely used on farms to prevent or contain disease. At least 25,000 people die each year in Europe from antimicrobial-resistant infections. It remains unclear whether the new regulations will be fully applied in the UK following Brexit.