Another stakeholder is letting their voice be heard on the current debate in Congress over the use and restriction of antibiotics in livestock production. There are currently bills in both chambers of Congress which, according to Bob Meyer’s story in Brownfield’s Ag News, “would severely restrict the use of antibiotics in livestock production.”In response, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently sent a letter to members of Congress that calls into question the claims, by those working to keep human antibiotics working, that the use of antibiotics in livestock production is causing the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Dr. Ron DeHaven, CEO of the AVMA, says the Pew Commission report that is used to justify the need for the Preservation of Medical Treatment Act is flawed.
According to Meyer, Dr. DeHaven stated “They gathered a group of individuals with expertise and their recommendations were based on consensus from the group. We’re concerned that they did not have all of the relevant perspectives represented in that group . . . We would like to bring a broad perspective of scientific expertise to the table and hear all of the relevant views before making a recommendation.” Dr. DeHaven believes the original group was composed of like-minded individuals.
The development of antibiotic resistant bacteria is not disputed by Dr. DeHaven. Rather, DeHaven is questioning the “assumption” that the development is due to use of antibiotics in livestock production. DeHaven is also concerned that restricting the use of antibiotics in livestock production could lead to even larger problems than currently exist. DeHaven points to Denmark as an example. After banning some antibiotics, DeHaven states, ‘“What that led to was an increase in disease incidence in animals and no decrease in the incidence of resistant bacteria in people.”’
The ACMA has more than 78,000 members. To read the Meyer story click here.
Posted: 08/19/09
