The new rules are supplemented by the allocation of more resources for inspections.

Denmark is known not only for a high standard in the field of animal welfare but also for awareness with regard to the use of antimicrobials. And now the Danish Parliament has resolved to further strengthen both the rules and the inspections.

“The new rules provide an incentive to make sure that medicine is given only to individual animals in need of treatment, and not to the entire herd as a matter of course. This is a significant step in the further reduction of the use of antimicrobials in farming. This is a very important part of the fight against antimicrobial resistance which is a serious threat to human health,” says Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Mette Gjerskov.

The agreement also includes remarkable improvements in the field of animal welfare:

“Improved animal welfare is a cornerstone of the new agreement. We are obliged to take care of the animals we raise. We have agreed upon initiatives to improve welfare for animals and we have secured the provisions through strengthened inspections,” says Ms Gjerskov and stresses the importance of the support from all parties in the Danish Parliament.

The agreement is an extension of previous agreements on animal welfare and the reduction of excessive antimicrobial use.

Stricter rules for the use of antimicrobials are part of strengthening the One-Health-perspective where animal health and human health are closely connected.