Sheep sector responds to antibiotic resistance challenge

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While UK sheep farming is a low user of antibiotics with a free-range approach that means there are very few occasions where flocks are reliant on routine use, the sector has recognised it cannot be complacent and has a role in play in ensuring appropriate use.

NSA, AHDB Beef & Lamb and MSD commissioned a survey this summer to reveal where and why antibiotics were being used within sheep farming systems. Independent sheep specialist Kate Phillips, and Karen Wheeler of ADAS are in the process of analysing results from more than 350 farmers with the view to guiding future support and development work.

Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says: “The sheep sector is taking antimicrobial use very seriously. We need to play our part in ensuring these medicines continue to be available and effective for both our human and animal populations. To focus our efforts, we need to understand why and when farmers are choosing to use antibiotics, so we can steer future work towards increasing vaccination for some conditions and finding alternative solutions to others.”

The issue of antimicrobial resistance is now recognised as a global challenge, with 193 countries recently signing a declaration to work together to combat the risks. This is a challenge faced by both human medicine and agriculture, and Defra has committed to an average cross-UK, cross-sector target which will aim to reduce usage by 19% over a four-year period.

To support the industry towards reaching this goal, and beyond, the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) is leading the way in helping individual sectors identify specific objectives and ensure more responsible use. This will need the communication and implementation of knowledge and experience, as well as likely investment in farm infrastructure.

MSD Animal Health says it is working hard to help sheep producers understand the flock productivity benefits of preventative healthcare. John Atkinson MRCVS, MSD Animal Health Technical Manager, says: “The continued focus on reducing the use of antibiotics in farmed livestock means it is vital that the whole UK sheep industry embraces active flock health planning. Our aim is to actively support this positive move for the industry by providing a technical advice platform for both vets and sheep farmers that is designed to optimise flock health and performance.”