EPRUMA celebrates 20 years of responsible use of antibiotics in animals
The organisation promotes responsible use of antibiotics in animals
6 March 2025
2 minute read
By: Co-hosted by MEPs Vytenis Andriukaitis and Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, together with The Parliament, EPRUMA organised a policy spotlight event to mark its 20 years of work in promoting the responsible use of antibiotics in the animal sector and protecting our shared One Health.
“We are all One Health practitioners," said co-host MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis. "Those working in human health, animal health and environmental health all need to understand that if we work together with a ‘Promotion, Prevention, Protection and Participation’ approach, we can overcome silos and extend our cooperation to address the health challenges that will ultimately affect us all."
“The responsible use of medicines, coupled with robust preventive measures such as vaccination, is vital for sustainable animal health," added co-host MEP Paulo do Nascimento Cabral. "Prioritising immunisation, advisory programmes, research, and improved farm infrastructure reduces disease incidence and minimises reliance on antibiotic use. Additionally, cross-border cooperation is crucial in mitigating widespread health threats, ensuring a coordinated and resilient approach to animal and public health."
The MEPs shared their views on how to further advance the One Health approach alongside a panel with veterinarian Miguel Angel Higuera, EPRUMA chair Cat McLaughlin, and DG SANTE’s Bernard Van Goethem. The panellists discussed successes in the animal sector in raising awareness and ensuring a reduced need to use antibiotics, and how to move forward by sharing and integrating best practices in all fields of health to increase disease prevention efforts.
"The European farming, veterinary and animal medicines associations had the foresight back in 2005 to come together and develop best practice guidelines for the responsible use of antibiotics in animal health in line with the then soon-to-be-published EU Animal Health Strategy “Prevention is better than cure”," said EPRUMA chair Cat McLaughlin.
EPRUMA has evolved over the years to incorporate feed, animal breeder, sanitary security, and diagnostics associations. Its work has evolved too, as the organisation has produced best practice frameworks also for vaccines, anthelmintics, and pet parasite control products use, as well as informative materials for responsible disposal of medicines. These activities feed into its One Health approach and underscore the organisation's further commitment to:
- promote a One Health approach to veterinary medicines use;
- promote good animal health and welfare;
- facilitate coordination and exchange of information on best practices;
- engage and communicate with the EU institutions and relevant agencies;
- support transparency on the use of veterinary medicines; and
- share knowledge via awareness campaigns on responsible use and disposal.”
EPRUMA published a new Commitment paper: Protecting our shared One Health through the responsible use of veterinary medicines during the event, which can downloaded from its website: www.epruma.eu.
