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Restoring Antibiotics' Potency

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 2, 2008

A startling fact: About 70 percent of antibiotics used in the United States are put in livestock feed to promote growth and prevent disease in chickens, pigs and cattle.

The practice threatens the nation's health by causing the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Studies have found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria in slaughtered chickens and pigs can remain in the intestinal tract of humans for two weeks or more.

Little wonder that antibiotic-resistant infections, including dangerous staph infections, are increasingly common. Researchers also have found antibiotic-resistant salmonella in ground meat.

Used judiciously, antibiotics are wonder drugs that promptly kill dangerous bacteria. But promiscuous use will sap their potency.

Legislation before Congress would phase out the use of important antibiotics as livestock additives within two years. Affected would be medicines important to humans, such as penicillin.

The measure - the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act - has bipartisan support and deserves passage.

The nation should not be squandering its medical arsenal to fatten up cows and chickens.

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