March 26, 2009
US pig group speaks out against second antibiotic bill
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is opposing an antibiotic legislation introduced by Senator Edward Kennedy that's nearly identical to a bill sponsored by House Representative Louise Slaughter last week.
The legislation recommended banning the use of animal health products that prevent or control diseases in livestock.
NPPC President Don Butler reiterated his stand - the measures are irresponsible as they will jeopardise the health and well-being of animals, which in return will threaten food safety and increase both production costs and pork prices, as well as lead to higher mortality rate.
A 1999 ban in Denmark on some antibiotics used in pork production led to an increase in piglet deaths and in the amount of antibiotics used to treat diseases.
The bills were introduced to address the increase of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but a 2000 survey of human health experts found that 96 percent of antibiotic-resistance in humans is due to human use of antibiotic.
Less than 5 percent of animal antibiotics are used as growth promoters and even the majority of those prevent diseases, according to the Animal Health Institute.
Jennifer Greiner, NPPC director of science and technology, said antibiotics are an important tool to help pork producers to protect human and pig health, and provide safe food.
