§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research her Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the use of Baytril in farm animals and the incidence of bacterial resistance in humans; and if she will make a statement on the subject. [26783]
§ Mrs. BrowningI have been asked to reply.
No specific research has been commissioned into the use of Baytril in farm animals. The Veterinary Products Committee keeps the development of antibiotic resistance in humans and animals under close review. It has recently confirmed, in the light of the latest information, that no change in current licensing policy is required: new antibiotics should not necessarily be precluded from therapeutic use in animals, but their prophylactic use should be discouraged. The committee will continue to consider each case on its merits.