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 The move from California, known for its leadership on public health
and environmental issues, comes amid growing concern that the
overuse of such drugs is contributing to rising numbers of
life-threatening human infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria
known as "superbugs."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates
that 2 million people in this country are infected with drug
resistant bacteria each year and that 23,000 die as a direct result.
"This puts California at the forefront of U.S. efforts to address
the overuse of antibiotics in meat production," said Avinash Kar, a
senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
Roughly 70 percent of antibiotics important for human medicine are
sold in the United States for use in meat and dairy production,
public health experts say.
Veterinary use of antibiotics is legal. However, as the number of
human infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria increases,
consumer advocates, public health experts and investors have become
more critical of the practice of routinely feeding antibiotics to
chickens, cattle and pigs.
California ranks third among U.S. states in terms of the value of
its meat, milk, eggs and other livestock products.
Some types of antibiotics can be purchased in the United States
without a prescription for animal care. Uses include disease
treatment, prevention of illness in healthy animals and growth
promotion.
The bill, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2018, will restrict the
regular use of antibiotics for disease prevention and bans
antibiotic use to fatten up animals.
It also aims to stop over-the-counter sale of antibiotics for
livestock use. Under the new rules, antibiotics would have to be
ordered by a licensed veterinarian.
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Additionally, California's Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
will be required to monitor antibiotic sales and use. CDFA will gain
authority to collect information on antibiotic use in livestock
production and to develop best practices.
The move comes as large restaurants and retailers are beginning to
follow pioneers such as Whole Foods Market and Chipotle Mexican
Grill in adopting strict antibiotic policies.
Notably, McDonald's USA in March said it would stop buying chicken
raised with antibiotics vital to fighting human infections within
two years.
NRDC and a coalition of public health, business, farm, environmental
and consumer groups supported the measure, which lacked strong
public opposition.
(Editing by W Simon)
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