AGRICULTURE »» FARM POLLUTION »» LIVESTOCK ANTIBIOTICS »» Aug 14, 2023

Human antibiotics such as penicillin and tetracycline are now routinely added to the feed used in pork, poultry and cattle feedlot operations. Antibiotics stimulate animal growth and improve their rate of survival from infections often received from living in confined and unsanitary conditions. The possibility of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in livestock transferring to humans through the consumption and handling of meat is supported by science. Chicken sampled from our supermarkets has also been found to be contaminated with bacteria that are resistant to several types of human antibiotics. At least 80% of all antibiotics dispensed in the U.S. are now used in feedlot operations – often to speed the growth of herds and flocks. Recent government studies have found that at least 2 million Americans are treated each year for infections that no longer respond to antibiotics because of overuse in animals and people. This resistance is responsible for taking the lives of at least 35,000 people each year. Several years ago, the FDA requested the meat processing industry to voluntarily stop using antibiotics to speed animal growth, and to first obtain a prescription from a veterinarian if producers need to give these drugs to a sick animal. The industry has yet to comply with this request. Supporters of livestock antibiotics say these drugs help protect the health of farm animals and are necessary to ensure there is enough meat to feed the planet. They claim there could be a worldwide protein shortage if their industry discontinues the use of antibiotics. Opponents say the confinement of many animals into crowded cages, rooms and pens cause injuries that can only be controlled with massive amounts of antibiotics. They claim that without the use of these antibiotics, industrial feedlots would not be profitable to operate in their present form. Instead, they would be forced to provide their animals with more space and allow them to grow naturally. Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction of S.621 – Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act of 2015 (114th Congress 2015-2016) Prospective Sponsor: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA) I oppose reforming current livestock antibiotics policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Leader Charles Schumer (NY). I support requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to refuse a new animal drug application if the drug is a medically important antimicrobial (used to treat humans) and the applicant fails to demonstrate that the drug meets specified criteria for use in animals, including that: 1.) The drug is effective. 2.) The drug is targeted to animals at risk of developing a specific bacterial disease. 3.) The drug has a defined duration of therapy. 4.) There is reasonable certainty of no harm to human health from microbial resistance to the drug. And wish to wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

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I support requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to refuse a new animal drug application if the drug is a medically important antimicrobial (used to treat humans) and the applicant fails to demonstrate that the drug meets specified criteria for use in animals, including that: 1.) The drug is effective. 2.) The drug is targeted to animals at risk of developing a specific bacterial disease. 3.) The drug has a defined duration of therapy. 4.) There is reasonable certainty of no harm to human health from microbial resistance to the drug. And wish to wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Trustee Candidates

Senator If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting her to favorably consider either reintroducing S.621 – Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act of 2015 (114th Congress 2015-2016), or a similar version thereof. Center for Food Safety If elected as a trustee, Center for Food Safety will be awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting these funds be used to advocate for reducing or eliminating the use of human antibiotics in livestock. Center for Food Safety's mission is to empower people, support farmers, and protect the earth from the harmful impacts of industrial agriculture. Through groundbreaking legal, scientific, and grassroots action, we protect and promote your right to safe food and the environment. CFS's successful legal cases collectively represent a landmark body of case law on food and agricultural issues. Center for Food Safety works to ensure and improve aquaculture oversight, furthering policy and cultural dialogue with regulatory agencies, consumers, chefs, grocers, fish retailers and legislators on the critical need to protect public health and the environment from industrial aquaculture.

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