A new independent scientific group has been set up to advise the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA), which promotes responsible use of medicines in farming.

The group consists of six members covering areas of human and animal medicine who have agreed to advise RUMA on technical developments and help maintain a scientific basis in all of RUMA's work.

The group will also provide independent expert voices with a One Health perspective on responsible use of medicines in farm animals.

RUMA vice chair Catherine McLaughlin will also chair the group, and has welcomed this addition to RUMA's activities, she says she hopes the move will bring factual evidence and science to a debate around animal medicines.

Catherine said: "The members of the Group are all eminent specialists in their own right in fields related to responsible use of medicines in both human and animal medicine.

“Between them, they cover a wide range of specialisms and their reason for getting involved is a common desire to encourage balanced debate and prompt the right actions – while ensuring animal welfare is protected.

“We look forward to some really healthy challenges from the group on RUMA’s strategy and scientific position going forward.

"It’s also very positive that the Group has agreed to act as spokespeople on these issues, putting forward their own findings and views and well as any consensus they develop.”

The group consists of Professor David Barrett, Dr Ian Brown, Mr David Burch, Professor Mark Fielder, Mr Daniel Parker, and Mr Martin Smith.

The group will meet every three months and convene by conference calls in between.

Anyone who may want any more information should contact RUMA secretary general John FitzGerald on rumasec@btinternet.com.