Livestock Groups Work to Keep Antibiotics Ban Out of Pending Legislation
Source: AMI Press Release
In a follow up to last week's hearings, American Meat Institute (AMI), as a member of the Coalition for Animal Health, is asking Congressional leaders to ensure that H.R. 1549, the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act, or any part thereof, is not added to pending legislation, particularly the food safety bill or the health care reform bill.
The bill seeks to amend and redefine "Critical Antimicrobial Animal Drugs” and "Nontherapeutic Use” as they pertain to animal health, according to the AMI press release. This bill also rescinds the approval of a list of seven "critical antimicrobial animal drugs” unless the sponsor demonstrates there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to human health from the development of antimicrobial resistance from "nontherapeutic” use of the drug..
"The food safety bill and the health care reform bill are based on the important principle of prevention,” states the Coalition in a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD). "It would be ironic and inconsistent to add an amendment that would remove important tools for disease prevention used in veterinary medicine.”
To view this letter, click here.
The Coalition for Animal Health includes:
American Association of Bovine Practitioners
American Association of Swine Veterinarians
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Feed Industry Association
American Horse Council
American Meat Institute
American Sheep Industry Association
American Veterinary Medical Association
Animal Health Institute
National Cattlemen's Beef Association
National Chicken Council
National Grain and Feed Association
National Meat Association
National Milk Producers Federation
National Pork Producers Council
National Turkey Federation
United Egg Producers
U.S. Cattlemen's Association
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
