BVA concern at CMO call for sick animals to be slaughtered not treated
The British Veterinary Association is calling for a clarification of remarks made by the Chief Medical Officer in which she called for sick animals to be slaughtered rather than treated as part of the strategy to reduce antibiotic resistance in humans.
The Daily Mail reports that, speaking at the Cambridge Science Festival, CMO Dame Sally Davies called for a reduction in the use of antibiotics in farm animals and said that she had urged veterinary surgeons to slaughter badly infected animals rather than treat them.
Commenting, BVA President Robin Hargreaves, said:
“As veterinary surgeons our first duty is to the animals under our care, and that means providing the most appropriate treatment. Badly infected animals may need to be slaughtered for their own good or for the good of the herd or flock. But those that have a good chance of recovery and the opportunity to be productive should be treated with the appropriate antibiotics used responsibly.
“To suggest that treatable animals should be slaughtered makes no sense in terms of animal health, public health, or the rural economy.
“It is unclear from the reported comments how such a strategy would be deployed and whether it would be extended to all animals, including pets. We are seeking clarification of the CMO’s comments to ensure that the debate is based on facts.
“We know that the biggest cause of antibiotic resistance in humans is the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human medicine and this is highlighted in the joint report on resistance from the Department of Health and Defra.
“However, we are not complacent about the role of antibiotics use in veterinary medicine and we are one of the leading voices in the campaign for the responsible use of antibiotics in all species.
“Antibiotic resistance is a significant threat to animal and human health but the debate must be based on a sound assessment of the risks involved and sensible solutions.”
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British Veterinary Association
