News

Food animal antibiotics bill introduced

A bill introduced in the House of Representatives would require the FDA to withdraw the sub-theraputic use of seven classes of antibiotics in food animals.

The bill was introduced by Representative Louise Slaughter of New York.  She claims that giving antibiotics to animals for sub-theraputic purposes had led to an increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria in humans.  However, Iowa Representative Steve King, who represents the largest pork producing congressional district in the U.S., says disease prevention is necessary to prevent potentially debilitating illnesses from affecting livestock. 

A coalition of 20 livestock organizations is opposing the bill, which they say will cause increased animal disease and death.