A recent NYT article demonstrates the majority of the problem of antibiotic resistance arises from feeding antibiotics to livestock. In Denmark, scientists showed a reduction in antibiotic use in pigs had no effect on productivity, no measurable impact on public health, and no reduction in disease prevalence among animals. In the U.S., livestock consumes 70% of all antibiotics prescribed; and animals are fed critical antibiotics at a rate seven times higher than in Denmark. Federal guidelines now discourage the use of antibiotics in animals, to promote growth.
Denmark banned the use of avoparcin, in livestock, in 1995; phased out the use of antibiotics for growth promotion; introduced higher taxes on medically important antibiotics; and largely banned the use of the most essential antibiotics, in pigs. The restrictions on antibiotic use in animals led to a reduction in antibiotic resistance to avoparcin. Antibiotic free livestock became a competitive advantage for Dannish farmers, as consumers demanded antibiotic free livestock.
In response to shifting public sentiment, McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Wendy’s announced they would no longer buy chicken from growers who use medically important antibiotics; and McDonald’s announced it would begin scaling back purchases of beef raised with antibiotics. Keep it up consumers—it matters!
Denmark Raises Antibiotic-Free Pigs. Why Can’t the U.S.? (12/6/19)
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/06/health/pigs-antibiotics-denmark.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
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