
Most of the antibiotics used in the U.S. are fed to farm animals, not people. And the animals usually aren’t sick. Low levels of antibiotics are used continuously because it promotes growth and prevents disease.
A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may continue its policy of allowing widespread antibiotic use in animal feed — a practice believed by many to contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or superbugs.
Sources:
- Appeals Court Backs the FDA’s Passive Approach to Farm Antibiotics, Blomberg, Courts, July 24, 2014.
- Appeals court rules FDA can continue allowing antibiotics in animal feed, AlJazeera, articles, July 24, 2014.
- FDA Doesn’t Have to Ban Antibiotics Given to Food-Producing Livestock, WallStreetJournal, pharmalot, Jul 24, 2014.
- Feds Failing To Act On Antibiotic Resistance Despite Grave Threat, Health Advocates Warn, HuffPost, Green, 07/25/2014.