IFAH POSITION ON ANTIMICROBIAL PRODUCTS AND RESISTANCE

IFAH, the International Federation for Animal Health, represents the manufacturers of veterinary medicines, vaccines and other animal health products in both developed and developing countries across five continents. Antimicrobials are one of the groups of products where IFAH members are actively engaged in research and development.

Antimicrobials are used to fight bacterial infections and are an essential part of animal health and welfare programmes.

IFAH is concerned about the development of antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans.
As partners in a responsible industry, IFAH members continually monitor their products. In addition these products are subject to surveillance programs set-up in collaboration with authorities and independent institutions.
Science based regulatory processes rigorously examine the risks involved before and after an antimicrobials product is placed on the market.

With regard to the use of antimicrobial products in animals, IFAH subscribes to the following facts:

• antimicrobial products are required to treat animals and maintain their health and welfare , to produce safe and wholesome food, and to protect human health;

• antimicrobial products undergo a rigorous regulatory review process that includes a science-based risk/benefit analysis - risk assessment, management and communication - to ensure that proper product use controls are in place to minimize the risk of resistance building in animals and the transfer from animals to humans;

• national and international regulations determine the product uses and claims that are supported by regulatory authorities representing their citizens;

• responsible use programs are critical to maintain the efficacy and safety of products and to minimize the risk of antimicrobial resistance development;

• Industry and authorities should evaluate the significance that any development of resistance in animals has for human medicine, this on the ground of commonly agreed methods for assessing the data;

• each product should be evaluated on the specific risks and benefits posed by its use in the intended species;

• resistance to animal antimicrobial products has been shown to be stable if not declining in countries where active surveillance systems have been implemented;

• as in human medicine, both, oral and parenteral routes of administration of antimicrobials to animals are necessary for their safe and efficacious use;

• As during the past 50 years of use, antimicrobial products remain effective in treating and preventing animal diseases.

IFAH is committed to the judicious and sustainable use of antimicrobials to preserve their efficacy in both animals and humans.