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Hurd Provides Scientific Response to CBS Antibiotics Report
2/18/2010 3:03:00 PM
Dr. Scott Hurd,
an associate professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine at Iowa State University and a former USDA deputy undersecretary for food safety, provided a scientific response to the antibiotics stories aired this week by “CBS Evening News.”
Hurd’s report clearly points out the inaccuracies in the report by CBS anchor Katie Couric that was highly critical of the use of antibiotics in livestock.
In August, AFBF joined other organizations who wrote to the Obama administration stressing the safety of antibiotics. The groups said: “The bottom line for on-farm antibiotic use is this: Farmers and ranchers strive daily to provide best possible management of their animals through superior genetics, nutrition, veterinary care, housing and handling. Optimal animal health and welfare leads to production of safe, affordable and abundant food, critical to U.S. food security. Maintaining the health of U.S. herds and flocks requires farmers and ranchers to have all approved safe and effective technologies, including animal health products, available to us.
However, despite the unsubstantiated allegations surrounding these uses, no conclusive scientific studies have been offered demonstrating the use of antibiotics on farms contributes significantly to an increase in human resistance. In fact, a growing body of evidence shows just the opposite, namely the responsible, professional use of these products reduces pathogens in and on foods, enhancing animal welfare while not contributing to resistance.”
Dr. Hurd’s
report
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