Thursday, July 16, 2009

Ban on livestock antibiotics proposed in US

In a hearing at the U.S. House Rules Committee a measure to stop antibiotic use in livestock was proposed by Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, principal deputy commissioner of food and drugs, according to a news report.
The proposal is aimed at banning the use of seven classes of antibiotics and limiting the use of others to therapeutic and some preventative use with animals.
Supported by the
American Medical Association, the legislation is opposed by the National Pork Producers Council. The Union of Concerned Scientists said that about 70% of antibiotics used in the U.S. are given to healthy chickens, pigs and cattle to encourage their growth or to prevent illnesses.

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