BVA delivers mixed verdict on EU antimicrobial action plan

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has delivered a mixed response to the European Commission's new action plan on antimicrobial resistance.

Launched to coincide with European Antibiotic Awareness Day, the plan has been welcomed by the vet industry body for its calls for more responsible use of antimicrobial agents, as well as its support for the development of new drugs and diagnostic tools.

However, concerns were raised over the fact that the EU has provided only qualified support for researching new antimicrobials for animal health applications.

Carl Padgett, president of the BVA, also noted that a more predictable regulatory environment needs to be created for these treatments, allowing vets to prescribe medicines according to their judgement without restrictive laws impeding them.

"Research into new antimicrobials should be supported in both human and veterinary medicine," he said.

This week, the BVA also gave its support to a major new petition that is being submitted to the government to call for an overhaul of dog welfare laws.