Thank you for contacting me about antibiotics in farming.
I am aware that farmers and vets are continuing to work together to tackle antibiotic resistance through the responsible use of antibiotics, which in turn protects human health as well as reducing the burden of disease in animals. I would like to assure you that my ministerial colleagues are committed to protecting animal health and reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics in animals.
Further, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate is currently in the process of reviewing the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013. I understand that Ministers expect the formal public consultation, setting out the proposed changes to the regulations, to be published this year. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has planned a series of workshops for stakeholders that will explain the principles behind the main proposals for changes to the regulation. These workshops will continue through 2022.
I am assured that Ministers will continue to work closely with industry and the veterinary profession on this important issue.