AVMA Steering Committee to Collaborate with FDA on Antimicrobial Use

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)has created a committee specifically to provide input to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on policies and regulations governing veterinarians' involvement in the use of antimicrobials in food animals.

The new Steering Committee for FDA Policy on Veterinary Oversight of Antimicrobials includes five members who will be charged with working with the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine to help develop practical means to increase veterinary oversight of antimicrobial use.

"Antimicrobial resistance—and the debate on their judicious use—is an important issue facing veterinary medicine today.  This committee was assembled to help the FDA examine both the need for increased veterinary oversight in order to minimize any potential increase in human antibiotic resistance while still ensuring that these important medicines continue to remain available to veterinarians when needed," said Dr. John Brooks, chair of the AVMA Executive Board.  "Each of these members was selected for their understanding of this delicate balance and for their ability to tackle tough issues objectively with the public well-being in mind."

The new members are:

• Thomas B. Hairgrove, DVM, DABVP, program coordinator for Livestock and Food Animal Systems, Texas Agrilife Extension Service, Texas A&M System;
• Charles L. Hofacre, DVM, MAM, Ph.D., professor,  University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine,  Department of Population Health;
• Paul D. Ruen, DVM, partner, private practice specializing in swine medicine and production consultation, immediate past president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians;
• Joni Scheftel, DVM, MPH, diplomate ACVPM, state public health veterinarian, Minnesota; and
• Lorin D. Warnick, DVM, Ph.D., DACVP, professor of ambulatory and production medicine and an associate dean for veterinary education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University.

For more information, please visit www.avma.org.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 81,500 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association