Dutch to phase out feed additive antibiotics

The Dutch Ministry of Economics, Agriculture and Innovation mandated the reduction of antibiotic inclusion in feeds by 20% over current levels by the end of 2011 and a 50% reduction by 2013 in a press release dated December 24, 2010. The Dutch Compound Feed Organization, NEVEDI, and the Farmers Union, LTO, indicated that manufacture of medicated feed will cease effective 2011.
The Central Veterinary Database, Vetcis, will record the use of antibiotics by veterinarians and farmers. Oversight will also be provided by the Foundation for Animal Medicine Authority an independent organization financed by the Ministry of Economics, Agriculture and Innovation.
The following issues will be incorporated in pending legislation:

• Limiting use of third- and fourth-generation antibiotics including fluorquinolones and cephalosporins which should be reserved for human therapeutic applications
• A ban on the use of antibiotics for preventive and performance-enhancing purposes
• Restriction on advertising of antibiotics

It is understood that export of medicated feeds will be allowed subject to the EU directive 19/167/EU.