Question
What research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the use of (i) virginiamycin, (ii) zinc bacitracin, (iii) bambermycin, (iv) spiramycin and (v) avoparcin in lactating cows; and what representations he has received on their use.
Answer
Mr. Jones: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the use of (i) virginiamycin, (ii) zinc bacitracin, (iii) bambermycin, (iv) spiramycin and (v) avoparcin in lactating cows; and what representations he has received on their use. [19289] Mrs. Browning: The Ministry does not commission research into the use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine. No veterinary medicinal product is authorised for use in the UK unless it first satisfies statutory criteria for safety, quality and efficacy. Data submitted in support of applications for authorisation are assessed by the veterinary medicines directorate and all antibiotics for the treatment of food producing animals in the UK are also very carefully considered by the independent scientific Veterinary Products Committee. With the exception of avoparcin, none of the antibiotics listed is authorised for use in lactating cows. Authorisations for avoparcin are to be withdrawn by 1 April 1997. I have twice met the technical manager of Roche Products Ltd., which manufactures avoparcin.