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Antibiotic issue continues to simmer
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As cases of antimicrobial-resistant strains of human diseases gain media attention, the use of antimicrobial drugs in food animals comes under increasing scrutiny, both here and internationally. This week for example, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) launched a new dedicated Web space to provide updated and relevant information on the subject.
“In accordance with the clear mandate given by our Member Countries, the OIE considers the prevention of antimicrobial resistance and the prudent use of antibiotics in animals as one of its key responsibilities and activities” says Dr. Bernard Vallat, Director General of the OIE.
The Web space will focus on:
- Scientific expertise on antimicrobial resistance in the animal health sector
- Information on veterinary drugs to be used in livestock
- Updates on key events
- OIE international recommendations and standards on antibiotics
- Media content
The OIE site focuses on prudent use of antimicrobials, rather than encouraging outright bans. “Many activities in favor of animal health depend on the availability and appropriate use of good quality veterinary medicinal products including antimicrobial agents,” the agency says. “The OIE considers that ensuring appropriate access to effective antimicrobial agents to treat animal diseases is vital, but stresses the necessity to control it through the intervention of veterinarians.”
The science regarding the role antibiotic use in agriculture plays in the development of resistant strains of pathogens remains unclear. Just last month, the U.S. Government Accountability Office issued a report concluding there is not sufficient data to prove a link between antibiotic use in food animals resistant diseases in humans, and calling for more study.
Later this month, stakeholders in animal agriculture and food production will examine the issue from all angles in a symposium titled “Antibiotic Use in Food Animals: A Dialogue for a Common Purpose.” The event takes place Oct. 26-27 in Chicago and “will provide a 360-degree view regarding antibiotic use in food animals and is open to anyone interested in the topic of antibiotic use in food animal production, according to the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, which will host the symposium. Organizers intend to provide a platform where those in animal agriculture, human health and the media can interact, dialogue and learn from each other.
Dr. Leonard Bull, chairman of the symposium planning committee, says the symposium will focus on four key areas:
- The use of antibiotics in food animal production.
- Human health implications relative to antibiotic use.
- Understanding and communicating the risks associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in livestock.
- Identifying additional research needs regarding how and to what extent antimicrobial resistance develops in humans and animals.
“Symposium presenters are going to take an in-depth, science-based look at the benefits of antibiotics to animals and to humans and zero in specifically on when antibiotics need to be used, what we all currently know and don’t know and what each of us needs to know,” Bull says. “I want to stress that the symposium will be a dialogue, not a debate.
Learn more about the upcoming symposium.
Comments (1)
Leave a commentRobert
Report AbuseThis is a very balanced and informative report. While the issue can be controversial and conflictive, in reality it is complicated and deserves serious consideration. The symposium should be fascinating and I urge all interested parties to attend - just keep it a dialogue.