MPI Directive - Prudent Use of Antimicrobials on Animals and Plants 2017.

This document is designed to provide direction on the prudent use of antimicrobials in relation to animals and plants, in accordance with Objective 4 of the New Zealand Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. It will address MPI’s expectations for prudent use on regulatory oversight, various industry sectors and end users of antimicrobials. It sets the overarching scene for more detailed and sector specific prudent use guidance. The intended outcome is to: ensure the appropriate level of regulatory oversight is maintained and enhanced; ensure only appropriate persons have access to them and they are used appropriately; ensure where possible antimicrobials are used only for disease management purposes; encourage the use of alternative methods for management and/or control of disease, and; promote a better understanding of AMR and the importance of using antimicrobials correctly. This document focuses on antimicrobials regulated under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines 1997 (the Act). It covers importation, manufacture, distribution, retail, sale and use of antimicrobials. For veterinary medicines it aligns as much as possible with the relevant sections of the Veterinary Council of New FutherZealand (VCNZ) Code of Professional Conduct for veterinarians. Out of scope of this document are: antimicrobials that are not considered of medical importance and for which AMR has not been identified as a significant risk, and residues of antimicrobials in food-producing animals/crops, and the compliance with maximum residue levels.
Antimicrobials should be used only when alternative methods either have been ineffective or are not appropriate. Further provisions specify requirements to support the registration process, assessment of the risks, labelling system, use and advertising, sale, compliance and enforcement, users, producer, and other appropriate controls and post-registration activities.