Introduction
Since the 1940s, we have used antibiotics to combat both
human and animal diseases. These drugs have helped us cure
serious human diseases and have allowed farmers to save
valuable livestock and prevent epidemics among their herds
and flocks. But several factors, including the current farming
practice of feeding livestock low levels of antibiotics
as growth promoters, have caused a decline in the effectiveness
of antibiotics by encouraging the development of resistance
in bacteria.
Disease-causing bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics
are an increasing public health problem. Diseases such as
tuberculosis, gonorrhea, malaria, and childhood ear infections
all have resistant strains. In fact, around 70% of the infectious
bacteria in hospitals are resistant to at least one drug.
This is due to the increasing use (and misuse) of antibiotics
to treat human disease and in agriculture. Many of the antibiotics
used in agriculture are the same ones used to treat human
diseases. As much as 70% of the total antibiotic use in
the U.S. may be for livestock production. The more a given
antibiotic is used, the more rapidly resistance develops.
In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates
antibiotics, but states can regulate antibiotic prescription
practices. Legislation has been introduced at the federal
level and in several states to address this important issue.
Introduced Federal Legislation
S
2508, HR
3804
To preserve the effectiveness of medically important antibiotics
by restricting their use as additives to animal feed. Particularly
fluoroquinolones in poultry, phases out non-therapeutic
use of penicillin, tetracycline, bacitracin, macrolide,
lincomycin, streptogramin, aminoglycoside, sulfonamide;
or other human use antimicrobials.
HR
1771
To provide for funding for the top priority action items
in the interagency public health action plan that has been
developed in response to the problem of antimicrobial resistance,
to the extent that the activities involved are within the
jurisdiction of the Department of Health and Human Services.
HR
3266
To direct that essential antibiotic drugs not be used in
livestock unless there is a reasonable certainty of no harm
to human health.
Introduced State Legislation
California
SB
2043 – in committee 6/26/2002
This bill would require the Director of Health Services
to conduct a study to evaluate the extent to which the use
of antimicrobial drugs in agricultural animals may lead
to the development of antimicrobial-resistant diseases in
humans. This bill would require the study to address the
health risks of providing humans and animals with the same
classes of antimicrobial drugs and to explore the potential
impact of antibiotic resistance in humans on the state’s
ability to protect its population from future acts of biological
terrorism.
Hawaii
HB
2790, SB 2166 – in committee 1/30/02
Bans the subtherapeutic use of antibiotics, hormones or
sulfas in pig farming.
Minnesota
SF
2884 – in committee 4/29/02
Prohibits the nontherapeutic use of animal feed containing
certain antibiotics; establishes a surcharge on all commercial
feeds sold that contain antibiotics.
Additional Information
|
