A web-based survey to gather information on the factors that influence the prescribing practices of veterinarians when treating animals with antimicrobials has been launched by the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) in collaboration with the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE). The European Medicines Agency has worked closely with the HMA and FVE on developing the survey.

Practicing veterinary surgeons in the European Union and the EFTA countries Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are encouraged to complete the survey which closes on 15 April 2012.

Survey results will help inform the debate on whether there is a need for additional controls on the prescription of antimicrobials, and what these additional controls might be without disproportionately compromising animal health and welfare.

The Agency is focused on promoting the prudent use of antimicrobials (mainly antibiotics) in order to limit the development of resistance and is involved in a number of initiatives to promote the responsible use of antimicrobials throughout the European Union in both food-producing and companion animals.

Antimicrobials are needed to control infectious diseases in both humans and animals for reasons of public and animal health and the Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use strategy on antimicrobials 2011-2015, which underpins the Agency's work in this area, aims to minimise the risk to humans from the use of antimicrobials in animals.

The findings of the survey will be published on the HMA and FVE websites.

Share this page