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.
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.
Antibiotic resistance, bacteria that evolve to the point they are not easily killed by antibiotics, is a scientifically complex subject and a concern for human and animal health. A new online resource does an excellent job explaining antibiotic resistance.