Risk classification of antimicrobials used in animals opens for public consultation
News
Veterinary
Antimicrobial resistance
EMA has published today for Answer to the request from the European Commission for updating the scientific advice on the impact on public health and animal health of the use of antibiotics in animals - Categorisation of antimicrobials. The scientific advice refines the classification of these medicines according to the risk their use in animals causes to public health through the possible development of antimicrobial resistance.
The update aims to take into account the experience gained since the initial publication of the categorisation of antimicrobials in 2014. It was prepared by the Antimicrobial Advice Ad Hoc Expert Group (AMEG) and adopted by both EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) and veterinary medicines committee (CVMP).
The 2014 classification proposed three categories for the antimicrobials classified as Critically Important Antimicrobials (CIA) in the World Health Organization CIA list, i.e. those of most relevance for human health. EMA’s updated categorisation considers all classes of antimicrobials and includes additional criteria such as the availability of alternative antimicrobials in veterinary medicine. The refined classification now comprises four categories, from A to D, each of them with a key action word attributed for more clarity.
The categorisation is now open for a three-month consultation. Once finalised, it will help decision-makers in the EU in drawing up guidelines for use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine.
Comments should be provided by using this . The form should be sent to vet-guidelines@ema.europa.eu no later than 30 April 2019.