CATTLE: ANTIBIOTICS
Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance she issues to farmers on the use of antibiotics in meat and dairy cattle; and if she will make a statement.
George Eustace, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for farming, food and marine environment: The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) publishes a range of information on the responsible use of antibiotics including the Code of Practice on the Responsible Use of Animal Medicines on the Farm.
The VMD also supports the various guidelines published by the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) which cover all major food producing species – including dairy and beef cattle.
Antibiotics are prescription only medicines; they can only be used following a diagnosis and prescription from a veterinary surgeon.