Antibiotics in Milk Regulation

First, antibiotics are used to prevent, treat and control bacterial infections in livestock. Just like humans, animals can contract infections, such as pneumonia. Antibiotics are used to humanely and economically treat and prevent these diseases. While often portrayed as cruel and uncaring by some in the media, the vast majority of livestock producers are very concerned about the welfare of animals under their care. Leaving sick animals to suffer from infections that are easily treated with antibiotics is cruel and inhumane. In addition to their humanity, farmers stay in business and feed their own families by earning profits through livestock and milk production. Unhealthy animals are unprofitable, can infect other animals in the herd and may die. In short, it is in farmers’ best interest to provide appropriate veterinary care for sick and injured animals.

Secondly, antibiotics can increase animal performance. By using antibiotics, farmers can produce more meat with less feed input. Some antibiotics change the colony of bacteria in the rumen (one of four stomachs in cattle) to produce more of the compounds needed by cattle for growth. Some are used prophylactically to prevent diseases that are very difficult to control once the animal is infected. Importantly, the antibiotics used to increase production (a class of products referred to as “ionophores”) are not used to treat people, nor do they leave residues in meat if properly used. Antibiotics used to treat diseases in humans can no longer be used in livestock to improve production—they are strictly used for the prevention, control and treatment of disease.

Why has the use of some antibiotics in U.S. animal agriculture been discontinued or regulated?

Why not eliminate all antibiotics in animal agriculture?