Europe addresses availability of veterinary antimicrobials

Madrid hosted the seminar “Availability of Veterinary Antimicrobials and Alternatives to Their Use,” organized by the National Plan to Combat Antibiotic Resistance (PRAN), with the participation of representatives from national authorities, European institutions, the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, veterinary professional organizations, and the animal production sector.

The meeting focused on challenges related to the availability of veterinary medicines, the identification of therapeutic gaps, and access to alternatives to the use of antimicrobials, in a context marked by the need to ensure effective treatments and continue making progress in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

During the sessions, it was noted that, despite European progress in the prudent use of antimicrobials and in surveillance systems, difficulties remain in ensuring access to certain veterinary drugs. These limitations particularly affect species or therapeutic indications for which there are few or no authorized treatment options.

One of the topics discussed was the collaborative initiative between Spain, France, Portugal, and Ireland, aimed at identifying therapeutic gaps, analyzing the factors that influence the availability of medications, and studying regulatory mechanisms to improve access to both veterinary antimicrobials and alternatives to their use.

The seminar included a roundtable discussion with representatives from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), national authorities, veterinary professionals, the pharmaceutical industry, and the manufacturing sector. Participants discussed the role of regulation, pharmaceutical innovation, and information sharing in improving the availability of medicines.

The discussion also covered the prevention and management of supply issues, the early detection of potential shortages, and coordination between European regulatory authorities and the industry, particularly in small markets or those with lower commercial appeal.

Veterinary and livestock industry representatives discussed the practical difficulties arising from the lack of treatment options and their potential impact on animal health and welfare. They also highlighted the need to promote the development of effective alternatives to the use of antimicrobials.

The meeting concluded by highlighting the importance of strengthening European cooperation to improve access to veterinary treatments, expand the range of available therapeutic options, and strengthen the capacity to respond to potential supply issues.