§ Dr. StrangTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many types of anticoccidial drugs are available in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. WaldegraveOur records indicate that there are approximately 30 anticoccidial veterinary medicines licensed in the United Kingdom. They cover a wide range of substances, but fall into three main types:
ionophore antibiotics, sulphonamides and potentiated sulphonamides and antiprotozoals.
The majority of these are administered in feed or drinking water. Two formulations are prepared in tablet form, and three are administered by injection.
§ Dr. StrangTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to which anticoccidial drugs resistance has developed in the United Kingdom; how widespread is this resistance; and what assessment he has made of the threat resistant coccidia pose to the production and welfare of broiler chickens.
§ Mr. WaldegraveAnticoccidial resistance has been reported to amprolium, thiamine analogue; arprinocid, Purine analogue; clopidol, hydroxyquinalone; decoquinate, hydroxyquinalone; methylbenzoquate, hydroxyquinalone; monensin, ionophore; and zoalene, nitrobenzamide, in the United Kingdom. The use of anticoccidials is closely monitored by the veterinary 287W pharmaceutical industry and, although anecdotal evidence suggests that resistance has developed to other chemicals, strategies for the control of avian coccidia remain generally effective.
The Government are currently funding several research projects into avian coccidiosis. Some of this research is aimed at assessing the threat of resistant coccidia to the protection and welfare of broiler and laying chickens. Results are awaited.