antibiotics

Antibiotics used while raising beef, poultry, and swine, has some scientists concerned. What should consumers know? Consumers are making their voice heard through new methods (ex, Chicago Public Schools buying antibiotic free chicken). Scientist continue to raise the alarm about the over use of antibiotics (ex, Union of Concerned Scientists petitions to FDA). And farmers and ranchers question the validity of stopping the prophylactic uses of antibiotics in food animals (ex, studies comparing US farm operations with antibiotic use with EU operations with no antibiotic use see no changes in antibiotic resistance).

Just after the 2011 Antibiotic Use In Food Animals conference held in Chicago, IL, the Chicago Public Schools began serving local chicken raised without antibiotics to students in 473 schools.

"As the third largest school district in the nation, Chicago has a big voice," said Laura Stanley, Learning Lab manager for School Food FOCUS. "It's in a position to catalyze change in the school food market nationwide."

The poultry will be raised by Miller Amish Country Poultry of Orland, Indiana, and delivery is being supported by Whole Foods Market.

PoultryCast 0281 Show Notes:

• A wide range of stakeholders in the use of antibiotics in food animals came together under the leadership of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture to discuss issues and concerns.  A panel including representatives from poultry, beef, dairy and swine logged in to share thoughts and answer questions in this Q&A audio.
• Link to all presentations from NIAA's Antibiotic Use In Food Animals: A dialogue for a common purpose

The use of antibiotics in animal agriculture fuels discussion based on few facts and much misinformation. Dispel many of those myths as you review these presentations from the National Institute for Animal Agriculture's 2011 Antibiotic Use In Food Animals, held October 26-27, 2011, Chicago, IL, USA.

PoultryCast 0238 Show Notes: 

• The Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) recently produced a webinar to share perspectives on the sometimes perplexing position of the FDA and animal health products.   This audio segment from the "Antibiotics in Animals and People" presentation features comments from Dr William Flynn of the Food and Drug Administration.  He outlines what the FDA is trying to accomplish and why. 

PoultryCast 0234 Show Notes:

• Dr. Liz Wagstrom, associate professor in infectious disease and public health at the Univ of MN presented her view of action in Washington on both legislative and regulatory fronts dealing with animal agriculture's use of antibiotics, public perception and potential industry change. 

PoultryCast 0212 Show Notes:

• Dr. Ron DeHaven, Chief Executive Officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association shares the facts on antibiotic resistance in this concise overview.  Great piece to refer to when the question comes up.  Dr. DeHaven's presentation slides are available here.

PoultryCast 0179 Show Notes:

• FDA uses low level committee meeting to initiate aggressive testimony limiting access to antibiotics for animal agriculture.
  

PoultryCast 0157 Show Notes:

• First it was layer cages, now California legislation to limit use of AGPs which closely follows similar legislation in Washington.  Iowa State's Scott Hurd talks about the science side of antibiotic resistance development.