Human antibiotics have been used in animal feed for years and it has seemed
to work as far as testing goes. However, since the year 1970 we have begun to
realize that this may not be the way to go. In recent years we have realized that
recent diseases are caused by overdose of antibiotics in animals.
Antibiotics are becoming less and less useful. The reason being that with
more tests on animals the more meat in grocery stores that contain drug resistant
bacteria. Scientists have found that putting small amounts of antibiotics in animal
feed can produce disease capable of withstanding that particular drug. Nearly 80%
of farm animals receive low levels of antibiotics in the feed they eat.
We began to notice the impact of antibiotics in the early 1970’s. Just recently
the levels of drug resistant bacteria began to rise. Even with the rise of bacteria the
FDA still will not do anything to prevent antibiotics being put into animal feed. It is
strongly recommended by scientist that we do something about this. If we don’t do
anything about this rising problem soon the bacteria could become completely
immune to the antibiotics meant to cure the disease.
Antibiotics started being used in animal feed in the 1940’s. The reason being
that it played a roll in making animals larger and grows faster. Today the statement
still stands, however the bacteria are beginning to become immune to the
antibiotics. When studies began to show that antibiotics made livestock grow better
every one began doing it and some people may have put too much antibiotics in the
feed.
Some animal farmers don’t use antibiotics in their feed. The only reason that
thaws y would be to treat infections in animals just like they would to a human.
They don’t need to use antibiotics in their feed because they don’t have do
compensate for the unhealthy conditions provided by the CAFO’s production
systems.