Antibiotic resistant pathogens are a public health issue and this week the FDA released a draft guidance suggesting limits on antibiotics use in livestock. You'd expect antibiotics to be used to treat sick animals, and they are, but antibiotics are also used to enhance the growth of agricultural animals. Some experts believe this is one of the reasons we're seeing more antibiotic resistant pathogens.
The draft guidance states antibiotics should only be used to protect the health of animals and all animals being treated should be under the care of a veterinarian. The FDA is asking for comments and suggestions for their draft guidance - the contact information is included with the document.
I agree with Cindy…It sure is about time!