New chair for EPRUMA

22/10/19

Brussels, 22 October 2019: The European Platform for the Responsible Use of Medicines in Animals (EPRUMA) is pleased to announce its newly elected chair Steve Hallahan, a veterinary surgeon from Ireland.

Representing the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations, the new chair adds a renewed impetus to the platform’s promotion of the responsible use of all medicines in all animals.

“EPRUMA is about more than just responsible use of antibiotics in farm animals. Taking a One Health perspective in our work means that we also promote the responsible use of vaccines, antiparasitics, and indeed all the other solutions available for ensuring optimal animal health. Use of medicines in animals must also be supported by a comprehensive and holistic planning, whether that’s ensuring regular vet check-ups for companion animals or establishing a farm management plan with vets and other agricultural advisers,” said Steve Hallahan.

The refreshed lead of EPRUMA comes at a good time when the efforts to increase awareness on the need to use medicines, particularly antibiotics, responsibly are generating success at European level. The latest ESVAC report from the European Medicines Agency highlights a decrease by more than 32% of the overall sales of veterinary antimicrobials between 2011 and 2017, for the 25 countries across Europe that provided data during this period. The report also notes a decline in the use of antibiotics that are classified as being of critical importance to human health. It is clear that continued focus on an ever more responsible use of medicines in animals can deliver to benefit the health of Europe’s animals, its people and our environment.

Ends
Contact: Clara Gobbe, EPRUMA secretariat
info@epruma.eu

Notes for editors:
• Biography, Steve Hallahan: After graduating as a veterinary surgeon from University College Dublin (UCD), Steve worked in farm and small animal practice before returning to UCD to complete an internship in small animal surgery. In 1998 he began his veterinary pharmaceutical career with Bimeda (part of the Cross Vetpharm Group), initially being appointed Veterinary Manager and eventually becoming Research and Development Manager. He has also held roles with Forte Healthcare, as well as MSD Animal Health.
He currently works as an independent consultant to the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, as well as running a small animal practice outside Dublin and is the Ireland Director for FECAVA (the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations).
• EPRUMA is a multi-stakeholder platform linking best practice with animal health and public health. It aims to ensure best practice through responsible use of medicines in the prevention and control of animal diseases.