Regulating antimicrobials in livestock animals: Experiences from ten countries

This chapter describes a research study that used an integrated and interdisciplinary lens to examine regulatory approaches adopted by ten countries to manage the use of antimicrobials in animal health, and more specifically, in farmed animals. It highlights key interdependencies by examining regulations governing three main entry points of antimicrobials into agricultural process: Veterinary medicine; agricultural production; and trade in animal products. In France, veterinary drugs are subject to strict restrictions even before market entry. Their approval process takes a number of factors into account, namely quality, efficacy, and safety for all stakeholders involved: The user, the environment, and the animal. Given the importance of trade and foreign markets, the country has nevertheless adopted voluntary measures with regards to livestock, where certain substances are banned during production. In March 2016, Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance announced that the Meat Council of the Eurasian Economic Union predicted a wave of bankruptcies in poultry and red meat processing sector.