Stop use of antibiotics in food animals

Among other current political issues, there is one rising public health issue that deserves to have more support both from the American people and our government representatives.

Overuse of antibiotics in food animal production has reached a critical stage in affecting human health - it has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Without effective antibiotics, "simple" illnesses could quickly turn deadly.

Antibiotics are not just being used to treat diseases, but are also to stimulate growth and prevent disease, something that can also be done by providing larger and cleaner living conditions for the animals. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be spread by eating contaminated food - including plants fertilized with contaminated manure - and through contact with exposed animals, food workers, soil, or water.

The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA) would prevent the use of many antibiotics from being used in food animal production unless animals are sick or drug companies can prove that their use will not negatively impact human health. Some resistance against PAMTA stems from the higher cost of production of food animals being raised without use of antibiotics; however, the cost would average out to consumers paying mere cents per pound more - a very small price to pay to help ensure our health.

We need to speak up, with support of organizations like The Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming and In Defense of Animals and ask our representatives to co-sponsor the act.

Elise Murphy

Chicago