March 19, 2009
US pig group opposes antibiotic-banning bill
A bill seeking the withdrawal of antibiotics from use on farms unless animals are sick has been introduced in the US Congress, but the US National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is opposing it.
The NPPC said the legislation introduced in the US Congress would hurt the health and well-being of pigs, increase production costs of pork producers, jack up pork prices and endanger public health.
Calling the legislation 'irresponsible', NPPC president Don Butler said pork producers need access to a range of animal health products to keep their pigs healthy and produce safe food products.
Citing an Iowa State University study, NPPC said pig carcasses will have a greater presence of food safety pathogens if the animals have been sick during their life.
The reintroduction of the bill comes nearly one year after the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production recommended that the US reform the way food animals are raised.
Several medical experts said the use of antibiotics in livestock farming contributes to an increase in antibiotic-resistant infections in people. The EU has banned antibiotic growth promoters as of January 2007 due to that reason.
