May 20, 1999

A General Accounting Office report recommends a broad study to determine which antibiotics used on animals may or may not contribute to the transfer of food borne pathogens to humans. Comprehensive estimates on illnesses from antibiotic resistant food borne pathogens are lacking, the report says.

The report also recommends that the secretaries of agriculture and health and human services develop and implement "a plan that contains specific goals, time frames and resources needed to evaluate the risks and benefits of the existing and future use of antibiotics in agriculture, including identifying and filling critical data gaps and research needs."

Alexander S. Mathews, president and CEO, Animal Health Institute, said the "cross-agency" approach using USDA and HHS, is a first. "We view this joint approach as an efficient and prudent process to improve the current system. We also are pleased that the report fairly considers both human health concerns and the long term impact on agriculture."

AHI supports a program that assesses benefits and risks to humans from treating animals with antibiotics. "We also seek policies that continue to encourage the research and development of new antibiotics, preserve the use of antibiotics already in use on the farm and foremost, protect human health," said Mathews.