Antimicrobials
This article was originally published in SRA
Executive Summary
EMEA consulting on use of fluoroquinolones
EMEA consulting on use of fluoroquinolones
The European Medicines Agency's (EMEA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) is seeking opinions on the use of antibiotics from the fluoroquinolone family in food-producing animals.
At the CVMP's behest, the Scientific Advisory Group on Antimicrobials produced a reflection paper on the use of these antimicrobials, which the group concluded had contributed to the emergence of resistant bacteria, having a negative effect on human and animal health1,2. Fluoroquinolones are important for the treatment of bacterial infections in both humans and animals.
The advisory group said that there is a need to harmonise the use of fluoroquinolones in food-producing animals both in the EU and internationally. In some marketing authorisations, special precautions for use have been added to the summary of product characteristics. Prudent use guidelines on the use of antimicrobials in animals have been published in many countries, but for the most part they offer general guidance, not specific to fluoroquinolones. Antimicrobial resistance should be addressed internationally, the group concluded, because of the risk of spreading resistant bacteria via imported food.
The Reflection Paper on the use of Fluoroquinolones in Food-Producing Animals in the European Union: Development of Resistance and Impact on Human and Animal Health is open for comment until 1 May 2006. It can be accessed at www.emea.eu.int/htms/vet/swp/srantimicrobial.html.
References
1. Reflection Paper on the use of Fluoroquinolones in Food-Producing Animals in the European Union: Development of Resistance and Impact on Human and Animal Health, 18 January 2006, www.emea.eu.int/htms/vet/swp/srantimicrobial.html
2. Press release, EMEA, 8 February 2006, www.emea.eu.int