Coccidiosis is a common parasite found in poultry globally no matter what system; it can cause enteritis in birds leading to intestinal inflammation, reduced absorptive capacity, increased podo-dermatitis, increased mortality and could require the use of medically important antibiotics.
RUMA has put together the following statement following the piece on Countryfile:
The BBC’s misrepresentation of ionophore coccidiostats in the media today is disappointing, not least because of the important role coccidiostats play in protecting farm animals and also pets at risk of infection from coccidian protozoa parasites. Before ionophores are legally marketed for commercial use in food-producing animals, companies have to demonstrate to the regulator (EFSA) that each drug is safe and effective in the target animal species, safe for humans consuming edible products from treated animals, and safe for the environment.
The British Poultry Council has more information on the use of ionophore coccidiostats in poultry meat here.
The poultry sector has led the way in the responsible use of antibiotics to safeguard their efficacy across the supply chain.
Antibiotic use in the poultry meat sector has reduced by 82% in the last six years and producers have stopped all preventative treatments as well as the use of colistin. The highest priority antibiotics that are critically important for humans are used only as a ‘last resort’.
Find out more about the progress made in the poultry meat, and other livestock sectors, in the RUMA Targets Task Force One Year On report.