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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.
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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