A group of sustainable farming groups, united under the banner of the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics, has called for immediate action to reduce use of antibiotics on farm animals and over-prescription in human medicine over concerns that such misuse is giving rise to antibiotic resistant bacteria, and seriously threatening the viability of essential medicines.

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The Alliance's calls were made following the publication of a new report in medical journal ­Lancet Infectious Diseases. The report, compiled by 26 leading international scientists, calls for immediate international action in both human and veterinary medicine to deal with the growing crisis of antibiotic-resistance.

The report makes a link between antibiotic resistance in agriculture and that seen in human medicine, showing that any increase in antibiotic resistance in farm animals is likely to spread to humans, leaving some diseases without adequate treatment. The report is the first international study of its kind to recommend action, including the phasing out of routine preventative use of antibiotics. The authors also called for changes in animal husbandry and the "development of health-orientated systems for rearing of animals" which deliberately eschew high levels of antibiotic use.

Demanding a holistic approach to the issue, the scientists said, "A way forward would be to acknowledge that human health, animal health, and the environment are all interlinked, and that the responsibility for dealing with the problems of resistance is shared by all stakeholders. The common goal should be to preserve the effect of antimicrobials for future generations of human beings, but also for animals. Antimicrobials should only be used when needed."

They continued, "Without effective treatment of serious diseases, mortality and morbidity would increase with negative effects on animal welfare. In the rearing of animals for food production, there would also be consequences for productivity and economy."

In 2011, scientists discovered a new type of 'superbug' MRSA in milk in the UK – the first time such bacteria had been discovered in farm animals in the country. Although the bug is killed by pasteurisation, its presence set a disturbing precedent.

Many countries in Northern Europe have already introduced strict measures to tackle the overuse of antibiotics – the Netherlands reduced farm antibiotic use by over 50 percent between 2009 and 2012 and has banned routine preventative use – but there has been widespread frustration at the lackadaisical attitude of other states, which Northern countries argue is undermining their efforts. The UK remains the only EU country where drug companies are allowed to market their products directly to farmers.  

In the UK, sustainable farming groups accused the government of "failing to act on antibiotic resistance, [thereby] giving more importance to narrow commercial interests than to the future of medicines vital for people and animals." Groups working as part of the Antibiotics Alliance called on the government and the UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate to end the routine preventative use of antibiotics [making their use in herds or flocks of animals where no disease is present illegal].

They argued that more attention should be paid to animal husbandry and more support should be given to extensive farm systems, to avoid welfare problems resulting from a crackdown on antibiotics use.

Tom MacMillan, spokesperson for organic farm group Soil Association, part of the Alliance, said on Monday, "We all must take responsibility for the antibiotic-resistance crisis. Doctors, vets, patients, farmers and consumers can all play their part. The role of politicians and regulators, however, is key to achieving real progress. If there was a cause for politicians to stand up and be counted, it is in backing every effort to avert this impending crisis of antibiotic resistance."

The Soil Association was highly critical of the government's antibiotic strategy, announced in September, which it claimed would be "grossly inadequate" in addressing overuse of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine. Policy advisor Richard Young said at the time, "There is a wealth of evidence showing antibiotic resistance can and does pass to humans from animals through the food chain and the environment. Some individual vets and some farmers are doing outstanding work in reducing the use of antimicrobials, but we need an effective national strategy. In relation to farm antibiotic use the Government's overall approach is weak and ineffectual."

However, despite supporting the idea in principle, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) said, "Antibiotics are essential for both human and animal health but irresponsible use (including overuse, underuse and misuse) can lead to resistance and ultimately to these medicines becoming ineffective."

Issuing a statement on Monday - European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) - BVA announced that it had created a poster aimed at pet owners, intended to increase their understanding of threats to the effectiveness of antibiotics. The Association also produced a leaflet explaining antibiotic resistance, which is aimed at farmers. President Peter Jones said, "The veterinary profession is acutely aware of the problem of antibiotic resistance and BVA has been working for many years to promote responsible use of these vital medicines."

The latest figures from the VMD show that antibiotic use by sales remained virtually unchanged in 2012 compared to the five year average. Use on pigs and poultry accounts for 86 percent of antibiotics use on farm animals.