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Another ‘antibiotics’ bill introduced

Another piece of legislation aimed at curbing the use of antibiotics in livestock has been introduced in Congress. 

The Antimicrobial Data Collection Act in the Senate calls for increased data collection by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and “enhanced transparency and public awareness of antimicrobial use in agriculture.” Similar legislation was introduced earlier in the House.

Meanwhile, the FDA is proceeding with plans to place new restrictions on certain antibiotics that are used for growth promotion in livestock.  The FDA initiative would also require more veterinary oversight of antimicrobial use.  National Pork Producers Association chief veterinarian Dr. Liz Wagstrom says that, once those new rules are in place, it should eliminate the need for Congressional action.

“I believe that the FDA actions that are being taken now are going to accomplish about 90 percent of what they want to do legislatively,” Wagstrom says. “These steps are going to make real changes in our uses of antibiotics and will answer many of the concerns that the people who have been involved in those Congressional actions may have.”

Wagstrom made those comments Wednesday in an interview with Brownfield at an FDA meeting on antimicrobial use that took place in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Link to previous story and interview with Liz Wagstrom