Antibiotics and resistance in farm animals

Abstract

Antibiotics are used in animals to cure disease and prevent suffering. Bacterial populations in animals which are exposed to these antibiotics may be selected for resistance. There is a concern that spread of these bacteria in the food chain to humans may result in the establishment of antibiotic resistant bacteria in people which will prove difficult or impossible to treat with conventional drugs. It is clear that antibiotics must be used carefully to reduce the development of resistance and that steps should be taken to reduce the transfer of bacteria from animals to man.