British poultry leaders have welcomed the industry being described as “pathfinders” in relation to its approach to the responsible use of antibiotics, responding to the term being used earlier this week by Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) chief executive, Professor Peter Boriello.
“It’s a term that feels about right,” said the British Poultry Council (BPC) in an “opinion” published on its own website.
“While we’d love to think it’s purely a reflection of leading the way on a massively important issue, the truth is more prosaic. We’re simply very carefully feeling our way in a subject that yet has few certainties.
“The poultry industry has many societal responsibilities, ranging from ethical to fiscal. Antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance run the entire gamut of those responsibilities: the ethical treatment of livestock, provision of wholesome and nutritious food, the UK doing its best to feed itself. Our starting point for all of these is ‘what can we do to help?’
“This is no altruistic fervour, but part of a sustainable approach to food production that has to encompass the cares and concerns of a multi-faceted society. So as pathfinders we took our first steps in trying to create a model that makes business sense as well as exploring our broader commitments.”
In addition to Professor Boriello’s “pathfinder” comment, the British poultry sector has also received a positive government response for its success in reducing the use of antibiotics by 44% since 2012.
Speaking during a reception in parliament, following the launch of the industry’s ‘Leading the Way in the Responsible Use of Antibiotics’ report, Defra minister George Eustice “praised the steps the poultry industry has taken to understand and reduce its use of antibiotics, and its commitment to open and transparent reporting”.
BPC Chairman, John Reed, replied: “Antibiotic use is an incredibly important subject for both animal and human health. The British poultry sector has taken a lead in understanding its own use and impact, and we hope that others will follow suit.”
