In our post-truth world, myths can take hold in dramatic fashion and vaccinations are a clear example. Yet, in addition to their lifesaving ability in both people and animals, vaccines contribute in important ways to a safe food supply. I explain the connection in my latest blog tackling the vaccination vex.
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.
The use of antibiotics in animal agriculture is an important factor in providing the safe, affordable food we need and want. At the same time, antibiotic resistance is a complex and serious issue. That’s why farmers, veterinarians and regulators, principally the Food and Drug Administration, collaborated to address antibiotic resistance, changing the way animal agriculture operates today.