AVMA backs preventive use of antimicrobials in livestock

Washington

- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) testified today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, addressing the preventive use of antimicrobials in food animals and reiterating the necessity of antibiotic use in livestock for ensuring food safety.

It's an issue the AVMA House of Delegates may take up at the July meeting in New Orleans. A last-minute resolution submitted by the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association requests the AVMA amend its policy regarding the non-therapeutic use of antimicrobials in food animals for growth promotion and feed efficiency, given that "such use creates a selective pressure for the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and such resistant bacteria may be transmitted to humans."

But Dr. Lyle P. Vogel, AVMA's assistant executive vice president, told the Senate panel that the AVMA opposes bans on antimicrobials that are not science-based or risked-based.

The hearing focused on the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant "superbugs" in humans.

"In addition to our support of improved animal-husbandry practices and the use of biologics, we also support the continued availability and use of antimicrobials to ensure that we are doing our best to safeguard the nation's food supply," Vogel testified.

"Antimicrobial resistance is a complex problem that is not going to be solved by simple solutions. The AVMA opposes seemingly simple bans on certain labeled uses of antimicrobials, such as growth promotion, feed efficiency and disease prevention that are not science-based or risk-based. Not all antimicrobials nor all their uses are equal in their probability of developing resistance or creating a risk to human health."

Vogel said banning approved uses of antimicrobials would negatively impact animal health and welfare without significantly or predictably improving public health.

"Decisions made without the benefit of a thorough evaluation of risks and benefits have the potential to further divert resources away from more appropriate disease-control measures," Vogel said. "Additionally, the AVMA believes that the judicious and regulated use of antimicrobials -- through scientifically based FDA approvals and post-approval review under Guidance for Industry No. 152 of previously approved antimicrobials -- provides a sufficient safeguard for public health.

"The AVMA has acted with three objectives: safeguarding public health; safeguarding animal health and the continued availability of effective therapeutic antimicrobials for veterinary medicine, including the retention of currently approved, safe drugs; and, hopefully, future approvals of new drugs," Vogel said.

"Since 1998, the AVMA has actively worked to mitigate the development of antimicrobial resistance related to the use of antimicrobials in food animals. The AVMA Guidelines for the Judicious Therapeutic Use of Antimicrobials were developed to safeguard public health by emphasizing prudent and judicious therapeutic use of antimicrobials.

"Fundamentally, the guidelines encourage scientifically based therapeutic practices, the use of antimicrobials only when needed and compliance with all existing regulatory requirements when antimicrobials are used," Vogal said.