European Commission praises the Dutch approach of the use of antibiotics

The European Commission praises the way in which the Dutch cattle farms deals with the use of antibiotics. After a study conducted by the Audit committee and analysis of the health and food of the Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection, the European Commission concludes that the use of antibiotics has been considerably reduced in the Netherlands.

The fact-finding committee determines that these reductions have been achieved while preserving animal health and welfare and keeping the products economically viable. Additionally, no excessive legislative measures were required. The committee attributes the reduction to a combination of factors, being successful public-private cooperation, policy based on expert and scientific advice and specific initiatives of producer organisation supported by the government.

The use of antibiotics in the Dutch dairy farming sector was reduced by 47% between the years 2009 and 2015. This is quite a gre

at performance of the sector, according to the Veterinary Medicines Authority (SDa).