The 20 nations that are partners in the council are
responding to the United Nations’ report on antimicrobial resistance related to
agriculture.
While most think the biggest issue is using low levels of
antibiotics in feed to boost productivity, others think the biggest issue is
maintaining the health of animals and birds.
The council’s news release talks about health, but not about
using antibiotics to promote growth.
“The International Poultry Council shares the public’s
concern about antibiotic resistance, which is an issue of global significance,”
IPC President Jim Sumner, president of the USA Poultry & Egg Export
Council, said in a news release.
“IPC recognizes the need for collaborative efforts among
governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations and the poultry
sector to minimize the development and transfer of antibiotic resistance.”
Recent IPC action on antibiotic resistance has included last
year's issuance of a position statement on the responsible use of antibiotics
in poultry production. Sumner said that the recent United Nations ministerial
meeting on antimicrobial resistance has increased global visibility on the
issue, particularly among international livestock organizations.
The discussion in Portugal included member countries'
obligation to ensure that animals in their care are free from disease and as
healthy as possible. Sumner said that the veterinary use of antibiotics and
other interventions are effective and necessary tools to keep birds healthy.
“It’s important that our industry maintain access to these
forms of treatment, to ensure that they are used responsibly under veterinary
supervision, and only when necessary,” he said.
“Responsible use of antibiotics when treating not only
poultry but all livestock is critical to minimize agriculture’s potential
contribution to antibiotic resistance.”
