You’ve probably heard the expression “the world is getting smaller.” Although it may not be true in a literal sense, we are more connected than ever before to people, animals and the environment around the globe. That’s why the One Health international initiative is so important. My latest blog examines its purpose and significance through both a human health and animal health lens.
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.