.jpg)
For those unaware (or in denial) about the use of antibiotics in our food animals, read this press release, which I received earlier today from the office of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY), the only microbiologist in Congress and the people's champion of this important issue.(Click here to read about the rampant overuse of antibiotics in agriculture. The more you know, the more prone you may be to start buying antibiotic-free meat and dairy.)
Definitive Link Confirms Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Transmits from Livestock to Humans
Slaughter Demands Strong Federal Response
"Rochester, NY – Today, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-25), the only microbiologist in Congress, reacted to a new study that conclusively identified transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from livestock to humans. Currently, MRSA kills more Americans each year than HIV/AIDS.
"The groundbreaking study was conducted by genetics researchers who analyzed the genomes of MRSA bacteria from patients and their farm animals, and found the samples to be genetically identical. Published on Tuesday in EMBO Molecular Medicine, the study confirms animal-to-human transmission of MRSA.
"In reaction, Slaughter sent a letter to Dr. Margaret Hamburg, the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today calling for immediate action to reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock.
"In sending the letter, Slaughter said, 'This study ends any debate. The extreme overuse of antibiotics in livestock is endangering human health.' Slaughter continued, 'For decades, the United States Food and Drug Administration has failed to act in the face of a growing threat. These findings make it clearer than ever that their failure is endangering human life. Starting today, the FDA must take strong federal action to reduce antibiotic use in livestock and protect human health.'
"These findings come on the heels of public health warnings in the United Kingdom and the United States about the catastrophic threat of antibiotic disease. Earlier this month, Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the US Centers for Disease Control, warned that 'our strongest antibiotics don’t work and patients are left with potentially untreatable infections.'
"Slaughter is the author of the HR 1150, the 'Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act' (PAMTA). The legislation is designed to stop the overuse of antibiotics on the farm- a practice that is accelerating the growth of antibiotic-resistance disease.
"Currently, 80 percent of all antibiotics sold in the United States are sold for agricultural use. Most often, these antibiotics are distributed at sub-therapeutic levels to healthy animals as a way to compensate for crowded and unsanitary living conditions or to promote growth. Any effort to stop the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria must address the overuse of antibiotics in food-animals.
"PAMTA is supported by 450 organizations, including public health organizations, scientists, the World Health Organization, American Medical Association, National Academy of Sciences and small farmers across the United States."
Posts
1 comment:
I like your blog.
I'm horrified at what has happened to our food supply. It is apparent that we must protest by refusing to buy any product animal or vegetable that is associated with the chemicals we are learning about.
If you can't pronounce it in the ingredient list don't buy it. Better yet only buy organic that is certified.
I am a physician who left clinical practice in November. We are so overwhelmed with new demands on our time that there isn't time to sort all of what has happened in the last twenty years.
I have spent weeks pouring over all of the information I can find. I feel that we as physicians are kept from delving into anything beyond what the insurance companies and the government wants.
How better than volumes of regulations and laws that we are expected to abide by. We have to join hospitals because it is taking enormous manpower to learn all of what is now being demanded. There is no time to research why obesity in America is causing the large increase in diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, as well as increases in thyroid disorders, and of course cancers.
We know it is diet related but we've never been told any more details than anyone else has. The big monsanto companies won't allow research. They are buying the academic departments so future scientists are directed in a way that can be manipulated by deceit or intimidation or money.
If we eat these products and get sick we WILL be denied care.
Post a Comment