Note: This document was rescinded on 24 March 2005
Synopsis
Antibiotics have had successful application in plant disease control overseas where the more traditional plant protection methods have been inadequate. On overseas experience antibiotics could have a beneficial role in the agricultural and horticultural industries in Australia. However such usage raises concern over their uncontrolled use, safe practices in their application, and their effectiveness in the control of plant diseases.
The use of antibiotics in livestock production has been examined in depth during the last 20-30 years. In Australia, in terms of kilogram amounts, approximately one third of the bulk antibiotic imports are consumed by the feed additives industry. Antibiotic use in the control of plant diseases may increase overall antibiotic use in the rural sector.
The Antibiotics Committee foresaw the need for a detailed review of the issues arising from the use of antibiotics in agronomy and horticulture before informed advice could be given to any regulatory agency in Australia. The Antibiotics Committee also believed guidelines should be established well before there is a widespread demand for antibiotics in the treatment of plant diseases.
