Antibiotics in agriculture have become a leading cause of antibiotic resistance, a healthcare crisis that threatens the health of children and families around the world. The misuse of antibiotics in farming practices has significantly contributed to the spread of resistant bacteria, making it harder to treat infections and putting our children’s future at risk.
Antibiotics in Agriculture: The Hidden Danger
According to a report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the excessive use of antibiotics in animal farming not only leads to the development of resistant bacteria but also affects children’s health by reducing the effectiveness of life-saving antibiotics in medical treatments. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that antibiotic resistance is responsible for over a million deaths globally each year, with more than 35,000 deaths occurring annually in the U.S. alone.
The Real Cost of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotics used in agriculture don’t just affect food safety. They contribute to a larger problem by making their way into the environment, where resistant bacteria can spread rapidly. This further accelerates the global health crisis we face. As infections become more difficult to treat, the medical costs associated with prolonged illnesses and more dangerous treatments increase, impacting both healthcare systems and families.
Why We Must Act Now
The solution is within reach. By reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics in agriculture and reserving them strictly for medical purposes, we can help prevent the further spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Organic farming practices and safer alternatives to chemical pesticides are already available and provide healthier, more sustainable ways to produce food.
How You Can Make a Difference
We need Congress and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to step in and implement policies that regulate the use of antibiotics in farming. These policies should track and limit antibiotic use and ensure that antibiotics are not misused as pesticides. By advocating for stricter regulations, we can help protect future generations from the dangers of antibiotic resistance.
Visit jeken.com.tw to learn more about how we can all contribute to a healthier environment. Together, we can urge the EPA and Congress to save antibiotics for medical purposes—because the health of our children depends on it.
