UK officials seize antibiotics at airport

Antibiotics allegedly destined for use on a poultry farm in Northern Ireland have been seized at an airport in the United Kingdom (U.K.).

(chalabala | Bigstock)
(chalabala | Bigstock)

Antibiotics allegedly destined for use on a poultry farm in Northern Ireland have been seized at an airport in the United Kingdom (U.K.).

A “large consignment” of antibiotics — identified as amoxicillin from China — has been seized by officials at a U.K. airport, according to The Guardian. As the antibiotics were reportedly destined for a poultry farm in Northern Ireland, the news prompted speculation about an emerging national food scandal.

Neither official agencies nor the company alleged to be involved have so far commented on the information, beyond the fact that investigations are taking place.

Amoxicillin may be used for the treatment of animals in the U.K., but it may only be administered under veterinary supervision and to animals that are sick. The intended purpose of the illegal consignment has not been reported.

As in many other countries, the use of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine has been the focus of increasing regulation in the U.K. to tackle the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

U.K. poultry industry reduces antibiotic use

By focusing on the responsible use by the poultry meat sector in the U.K., there has been a reduction of more than 80% in both the total use and use of critically important antibiotics (CIAs) for human health over the last 6 years.

This progress is reported in the 2019 Antibiotic Stewardship Report from the U.K. poultry meat industry body, the British Poultry Council (BPC).

BPC introduced its Antibiotic Stewardship program in 2012, and its latest report covers the period up to 2018.

Between 2017 and 2018, total antibiotic volume used by the U.K. poultry meat industry increased by 12%. The rise was attributed to a spike in seasonal infections in winter and spring. Fluctuations are to be expected year-to-year as the industry faces different health challenges, according to the BPC. The reduction in the use of CIAs continued, however, with a further 19% decline year-on-year.

“The British poultry meat industry’s Antibiotic Stewardship is playing a crucial role in delivering good bird health and welfare; ensuring responsible use of antibiotics, safeguarding the efficacy of antibiotics, and helping produce food consumers trust,” said BPC Chairman, Graeme Dear.

Farmers and veterinarians need to be able to use antibiotics to protect the health and welfare of birds, he said. Because of their duty to poultry well-being, zero use of antibiotics is neither ethical nor sustainable, according to Dear.

Antibiotic resistance continues to grow worldwide, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries, according to new research from Switzerland. Lighter regulation on the use of these drugs in animal feeds has been linked to the development of AMR “hotspots” in Asia and some other countries.

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