Standards issued for antibiotic use in animals   

By The Holland Times Friday 01 July 2011, 11:07

From Friday, Dutch farmers will be given guidelines on how many antibiotics they can use in their animals. The standards will be revealed by the Autoriteit Diergeneesmiddelen (Veterinary Authority).

The organisation will follow the use of antibiotics in livestock for the next two and a half  years. Farms that use above the specified amounts will be held accountable. However, the group will provide assistance to farmers to help reduce antibiotic use. Poultry companies will also be part of the regulation move. 

Antibiotic use in livestock has been linked to antibiotic resistant bacteria. The bacteria are harder to kill and cause severe illness in patients.