Reducing the use of antibiotics in the meat sector

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An online talk dedicated to reducing the use of antibiotics in the meat sector has been organized by Euractiv and will take place on April 21, from 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm, to discuss the actions taken by the European Union to further reduce the use of antibiotics in the meat sector.

The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a looming global crisis, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases, resulting in prolonged illness, disability, and death.

Over-use and misuse of antibiotics in animals and humans is contributing to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance. WHO reports that in some countries approximately 80% of total consumption of medically important antibiotics is in the animal sector, largely for growth promotion in healthy animals, a practice which is prohibited in Europe.

The Farm to Fork Strategy sets an ambitious target to reduce the sales of antibiotics for farmed animals by 50% by 2030. To further limit the use and promote prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials in animals, the new regulations on veterinary medicinal products and medicated feed, to apply as of 2022, will provide for a wide range of concrete measures.

The meat sector has already made significant progress in the reduction of the use of antibiotics in recent years. For example, the EU poultry sector has seen their use slashed by 82% in Italy and by 75% in the Netherlands, with significant reductions also seen elsewhere in the EU.

Euractiv Virtual Conference will discuss how the EU can reduce the use of antibiotics in its meat sector, and avoid a global health crisis caused by antimicrobial resistance.

Speakers

Andrea Gavinelli, Head of Unit, Animal welfare, Antimicrobial resistance, DG SANTE, European Commission

Sarah Wiener MEP, Member of AGRI, Substitute of ENVI and IMCO, European Parliament

Eran Raizman, Senior Animal Health & Production Officer, FAO

Roxane Feller, Secretary General, Animal Health Europe

Lara Sanfrancesco, Director of Unaitalia, AVEC member

Moderators

Natasha Foote, Journalist, EURACTIV
Teresa Dominguez, EU Affairs Senior Manager, EURACTIV (Q&A moderation)

Schedule

14:30 – 14:35 Welcome
14:35 – 14:50 Panellists’ statements
14:50 – 15:50 Discussion and Q&A
15:50 – 16:00 Closing statements

Contact

Matea Krivanek: matea.krivanek@euractiv.com
Regiser here – https://www.eventleaf.com/Attendee/Attendee/EventPage?eId=tzd0aSsrrYKGPEia98fEsg%3D%3D

Source: Unaitalia