Antibiotic policy in animal husbandry: effects and perspectives

The Dutch government aims to promote a policy of prudent and restricted antibiotic use in both animal husbandry and human healthcare. The four main sectors of Dutch animal husbandry and veterinarians have devoted a great deal of attention in recent years to reducing the therapeutic use of antibiotics. Now that the government is considering updating its policy in this field, the Council on Animal Affairs has been asked to provide an advisory report on the effects of the current policy on animal health and welfare, and to discuss the perspectives and conditions for any further steps that may need to be taken in this direction.