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RUMA chair Gwyn Jones has welcomed the increase in funding, which will take the form of increased subscriptions from RUMA members. He says it is indicative of the industry’s deepening commitment to work alongside the human medical community in reducing, refining and replacing use of antibiotics globally – as well as building on the successful 10% reduction in UK farm animal use in 20151.
Mr Jones says the biggest challenge facing farming is how to reduce animal treatment with antibiotics without compromising welfare. “A well thought-out, science-based approach that improves natural immunity, reduces disease burden and finds different ways to manage infection is essential to protect the well-being of animals. There is no silver bullet – it’s about small incremental changes that are carefully tried and tested before implementation.”
The RUMA Alliance, which is 20 years old this year, is widely credited with defining the current best-practice standards which have seen the UK’s way to being among the lower users of antibiotics on-farm in Europe. The independent Alliance has also been the ‘pioneer’ initiative globally, sharing best practice with countries such as Ireland and Canada, as well as the model for EPRUMA – the European Platform for the Responsible Use of Medicines in Animals.
The Alliance has also recently welcomed the British Meat Processors’ Association and the British Trout Association as members, meaning it now spans all sectors from game to poultry, fish, cattle, sheep and pigs, and all levels of the supply chain from organisations that supply farmers through to retailers.
Tuesday January 10, 2017/ RUMA/ United Kingdom.
http://www.ruma.org.uk/
