Microbial Resistance and Public Health Aspects of Use of Medicated Feeds

Summary

First, evidence has been presented that penicillin and the tetracyclines, the oldest of the antibiotics, are still effective both in animals and in humans, even though resistance to them has been known to occur almost since their introduction.

Second, evidence has been presented that the use of antibiotics in animals over the course of nearly two decades has not caused a public health problem.

Finally, evidence has been presented to explain the fact that, although resistance may emerge readily, drugs continue to be effective because the resistant organisms are likely to be less virulent.

© American Society of Animal Science 1970