BANGKOK, Nov 17 (TNA) — The Livestock Development Department, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and Thai private sector have joined forces in reducing the use of antibiotics for animals by 30 per cent from 2021 onwards, said veterinarian Soravit Thanitor, director-general of the department.
He said frequent use of antibiotics in both human and animals, if not necessary, will eventually cause antimicrobial resistance and this issue is a major concern for public health and related agencies presently.
The government realises the significance of this issue and has mapped out a five-year plan, started from 2017, aimed at reducing the use of antibiotics in animals by as much as 30 per cent within 2021, he said.
Mr Soravit said his department has issued a regulation requiring that medicated feed must be prescribed by veterinarians only.
Simultaneously, animal raisers are encouraged to raise animal without antibiotics, he said, adding that this special programme was signed on April 30 this year.
To make this issue more effective, countries worldwide have organised the ‘World Antibiotics Awareness week’ during November 12-18.
Mr Soravit said his department has cooperated with international organisations, agencies under the United Nations and concerned sectors have sponsored the ‘Livestock stakeholders handle antibiotics with care’ which would present certificates to raisers that do not feed animals with antibiotics.
This will benefit consumers in Thailand and oversea, he added. (TNA)
