Protecting our shared One Health through the responsible use of veterinary medicines: Our 6 commitments
04/03/25
Since 2005 EPRUMA – the European Platform for Responsible Use of Medicines in Animals – has served as a reference and catalyst for change. By encouraging veterinarians, farmers, and other animal owners to use medicines responsibly, we continue to do our part to help maintain the efficacy of medicines, prevent and minimise undesired effects, and to deliver the highest standards of animal health and welfare, whilst also contributing to food safety, sustainability, and protecting public health and the environment.
Responsible Use is based on a holistic approach of minimising disease which encompasses enhancing knowledge on disease prevention, animal health, animal welfare and husbandry practices, and by respecting the rule of: ‘as little as possible, as much as necessary’
United under the banner of EPRUMA, we declare our commitment to:
- Promoting a One Health approach to veterinary medicines use, recognising that what impacts animal health, also impacts both human health and the environment in which we live.
- Promoting good animal health and welfare at both individual and collective levels, recognising the need for regular monitoring of health and welfare, optimal use of veterinary medicines when needed, alongside breeding techniques, preventive measures through biosecurity, and vaccination, use of diagnostics, and innovative feeding strategies.
- Facilitating coordination and exchange of information on best practices together with national responsible use initiatives, and equivalent initiatives for human health.
- Engaging and communicating with the EU institutions and relevant agencies, European organisations and platforms working on the responsible use of all medicines.
- Supporting transparency on the use of veterinary medicines, including contributing to reporting on sales and use, and resistance monitoring.
- Sharing knowledge by developing awareness campaigns on responsible use and disposal for animal keepers and key stakeholders.
