Antibiotics in Agriculture: Preventing the Next Pandemic
COVID-19 may not be the only pandemic of our lifetime. For decades, scientists have warned that bacteria are getting stronger and lifesaving antibiotics are losing their effectiveness due to overuse. Meanwhile, the growth in intensive confinement of animals in agriculture has led to a massive increase in routine antibiotic use to prevent disease in such overcrowded conditions. In the U.S. alone, 80 percent of all antibiotics sold are now fed to livestock. This broad misuse of antibiotics is partially responsible for the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria that are pathogenic to humans, easily transmitted to humans via food chains, and widely disseminated in the environment via animal wastes. These challenges are of local, national, regional, and international significance, as there are no geographic boundaries to impede the spread of antibiotic resistance. The time for action is now.
Panelists Include:
- Andrew Jacobs, Global Health Reporter, New York Times
- Chris Oliviero, General Manager, Niman Ranch
- Dr. Payal Patel, Infectious Disease Specialist, University of Michigan
- Sydney Riess, Public Health Campaign Associate, U.S. PIRG
- Kezia Smithe, ESG Analyst, FAIRR Initiative
- Moderated by Nicole Negowetti, Clinical Instructor, Animal Law & Policy Clinic