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Minister Hackett launches Code of Good Practice Regarding Responsible Use of Antimicrobials in Sheep

The Minister for State in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, has launched the Code of Good Practice regarding the responsible use of antimicrobials in sheep.

 

Launching it, the Minister said 

This Code of Good Practice will serve as a useful tool for sheep farmers as they work to address the ‘One Health’ challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

 

The Minister welcomed the Code, as a means of highlighting the continued global concern in relation to AMR and its potential threat to human and animal health, as well as the challenges to food security and the environment.  She commented,

Antibiotics need to be safeguarded for the benefit of both humans and animals, and strategies to reduce the use of antibiotics in both the human and animal health sectors is seen as a key intervention.

 

She added,

Actions taken to improve animal health, and prevent disease are key to reducing the use of antibiotics, and effectively tackling AMR.  The practical strategies outlined in this document highlight some of the important actions that sheep farmers can take to reduce their overall use of antibiotics and to improve their flock health.

 

The launch coincides with Teagasc’ week long event which has focused on communicating the latest research findings relevant to sheep farmers, with today’s focus being on the impact of National and EU policy and the environment on sheep production.

 

Minister Hackett acknowledged the ongoing support and collaboration with industry stakeholders, particularly the members of the iNAP animal health sector committee which is chaired by the chief veterinary officer Dr Martin Blake, in producing this Code of Good Practice.  In concluding, she stated that

the ambitious AMR implementation plan currently in place for the animal health and environmental sector can only be achieved by various stakeholders taking on leadership roles and working in partnership.