31/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - Action plan against preventative use of antibiotics. In November, the European Commission is expected to adopt a five-year action plan against the preventative use of antibiotics to cure farm animals. In the view of European Health Commissioner John Dalli, who was speaking at a debate at the plenary session of the European Parliament on Wednesday 26 October, this measure should help to tackle the rise in microbial resistance to antibiotics. In adopting a resolution on Thursday 27 October, the EP called for “stricter controls” on antibiotics, to “fight the increasing resistance of bacteria”. The European Union has already banned the use of antibiotics to stimulate the growth of animals, but should also phase out their use for prophylactic purposes, the MEPs argue. They are also calling for a distinction to be drawn between antibiotics used for animal health and those prescribed for human health. (LC/transl.fl)