Antibiotic resistance isn’t headlining the news right now, but behind the scenes, experts at the local, state and federal levels are continually monitoring and analyzing data. The CDC, FDA and USDA all have roles, and the animal health community has partnered with them to ensure responsible use of antibiotics.
The Food and Drug Administration releases animal antibiotic sales data annually. The report for 2016 shows decreases in two key categories: sales for livestock and poultry, and medically important antibiotics. Although the latest report shows a reduction, we need to focus on using antibiotics responsibly, which in agriculture means to use less while preserving the ability to responsibly use antibiotics when needed.
I am deeply troubled by the increasing call to eliminate the use of antibiotics to prevent disease in animals. As a veterinarian focused on the health of animals, I can say without question that if we lose the ability to use antibiotics for prevention purposes, more animals will die.