Is the Subtherapeutic Administration of Antibiotics to Animals in Feed
a Threat to Human Health?

Authorship: Alison Liechty, Matt Frock, and Lynne LaRochelle

Purpose: To provide information such that high school and college students with a basic science background can formulate an educated opinion regarding this common use of antibiotics.

Background: The use of small doses of antibiotics in animal feed is a prevalent practice in many countries including the United States. Subtherapeutic doses of antibiotics or antimicrobials are frequently administered to animals because they have been linked to rapid increases in body mass, increased feed efficiency, and reduced mortality rates during high-stress events such as transport and intensive animal husbandry.

Although the short-term benefits are appealing, there is a growing concern among members of the scientific community that routine subtherapeutic use of antibiotics in agriculture may pose a long-term problem in terms of human health. Specifically, does the subtherapeutic administration of antibiotics in agriculture create a breeding-ground for drug-resistant human pathogens?

What are the Benefits of Using Antibiotics in Animal Feed?
This page outlines the major benefits of using subtherapeutic doses of antibiotics in animal feed.

For What reasons is the Subtherapeutic Use of Antibiotics in Agriculture a Potential Problem?
What risks does this usage have to human health? What evidence is there?

What are the Conditions/Alternatives of Subtherapeutic Use of Antibiotics in Agriculture?
a general overview of typical practices in modern agriculture, changes in animal husbandry to replace the subtherapeutic use of antibiotics.

Our Conclusion
The authors believe from their research of the literature that the potential risks outweigh the known benefits of using antibiotics in animal feed.

Send E-mail to the Authors

[Glossary] [References] [CHEM-465] [UD CHEM Page]



Updated 11/2/98 12:38:56 PM Created with DiDa!