In order to further reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock, the Bundestag passed a reform of the Veterinary Drugs Act yesterday evening. If the Federal Council also agrees, from next year veterinarians will have to report the use of antibiotics in all cattle, pigs, chickens and turkeys – including animal groups such as dairy cows and laying hens, which were previously exempt.
It is also stipulated that certain active ingredients may be used as rarely as possible. The possibilities for the surveillance authorities to intervene are also being expanded.
In Europe alone, tens of thousands of people die every year as a result of antibiotic resistance. This means that pathogenic bacteria can no longer be destroyed by an antibiotic. The excessive use of antibiotics in animal husbandry is considered one of the main reasons for the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens.
“So that we can continue to treat diseases in humans and animals effectively in the future, we must permanently reduce the use of antibiotics,” said Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (Greens). “Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest health problems of our time.” The opposition, on the other hand, criticized the law as going too far and spoke of over-regulation. “Our farmers and veterinarians are already groaning under excessive bureaucracy,” complained Dieter Stier, a member of the CDU.
