Ghislain Follet
European Federation of Animal Health Industries (FEDESA), Belgium

A number of resistant bacterial pathogens have become the focus of recent concern in human medicine. Studies and facts on use of antibiotics in animals suggest that animal sources contribute little to the problem. The current pursuit of zero risk by banning some antibiotics in Europe is not a sensible precaution but rather an abdication of responsibility based on science.

Key words: Animals; antibiotics; Europe; health policy; precaution; resistance.