May 16, 2014

is the use of antibiotics in farming to blame for antibiotic resistance in humans?

Antibiotic resistance has been in the news a lot recently with our CMO identifying it as one of the biggest threats to human health and WHO sounding the alarm globally. Underlying the narrative in some quarters is the assumption that the use (some say overuse) of antibiotics in farming is to blame. But is this true? And if so what is the solution? And if not why has this myth prevailed? And does it matter either way?

Three of the UK’s leading experts on farm animals came to the SMC to talk about the challenges and potential solutions offered in this sector.

Speakers: 

Prof Stuart Reid, Principle of the Royal Veterinary College

Prof Peter Silley, Director, MB Consult Limited & University of Bradford

John FitzGerald, Secretary General, Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA)