ACT / Cambodia workshop discusses medicated feed regulations

Siem Reap, Cambodia

A workshop is being held 16–17 October to discuss the Draft Prakas on Medicated Feeds. Fifty-four government officials are attending, from the General Directorate of Animal Health and Production (GDAHP), the Fisheries Administration (FiA), the General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA), veterinary regulators, feed inspectors, feed producers and academic institutions. 

This event provides an opportunity for feed regulators and government officials to consult and validate the importance of regulating medicated feed as a key input for livestock production—including aquaculture—and for curbing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). At the outset of the workshop, Dr Pen Bunthoeun, Deputy Director of the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, made key points about developments in Siem Reap. He noted that in 2024 there were 246 000 cattle and buffalo, 181 000 pigs and 4 million poultry, and called for the appropriate use of antimicrobials on farms and the promotion of smart agriculture. 

Dr Nou Yutika, Deputy Director General of GDAHP, voiced support for the Prakas on Medicated Feeds. He highlighted that, since 2022, Cambodia has had no swine imports. He thanked FAO for assisting in developing the legal framework for GDAHP. In her welcome remarks, Carmen Bullon, Legal Officer, LEGN, FAO headquarters, stated that feed is central to One Health and that medicated feed is the bridge between feed and veterinary medicines. She emphasized that Codex-aligned, enforceable legislation is essential to prevent misuse, residues and AMR, and to secure safe, high-quality feed and competitive markets. 

Che Savun, Deputy Secretary-General, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, delivered the opening speech to the workshop. He called on relevant agencies under the Ministry to pay attention to veterinary regulation on feed and nutrition, which should be carefully revised as needed in Cambodia, including provisions for monitoring and evaluation. He supported having a Prakas on Medicated Feeds and, notably, the development of guidelines on medicated feed for better implementation and an effective approval process.

Finally, participants thanked the Government of the Republic of Korea (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety), FAO and the ACT Project for their technical assistance to GDAHP on the Prakas on Medicated Feeds and, especially, for efforts to combat the spread of foodborne AMR in Cambodia.

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ACT Project
Antimicrobial resistance