The abuse of antibiotics in farming
The discovery of antibiotics 66 years ago revolutionised modern medicine and has saved millions of lives. But most antibiotics are not used to save life. In human medicine we use them too often for minor ailments, and in intensive livestock production they are still primarily used to compensate for the crowded and unnatural conditions on factory farms.
By using antibiotics unnecessarily we encourage the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant infections and squander one of the most important medical advances ever.
The consequences of excessive antibiotic use
It has long been known that overuse of antibiotics on factory farms leads to antibiotic resistance in food poisoning bacteria, like salmonella. But in the last two years, scientific evidence has also implicated intensive farming in the rise of two serious superbugs: a new strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in farm animals, which is spreading rapidly and transferring to humans, and a new and almost untreatable type of E.coli that is causing large numbers of deaths in the UK and elsewhere, especially among the elderly.
Farm-animal MRSA
Farm-animal MRSA is spreading like wildfire on intensive farms in continental Europe. In the Netherlands it already affects 39% of pigs and almost 50% of pig farmers. In Dutch hospitals 25% of all MRSA cases are now caused by the farm-animal strain, and farmers are no longer permitted in general wards without prior screening. It has been found in chickens, dairy cows and calves and in 20% of pork, 21% of chicken and 3% of beef. It has also been found in farm animals and people in Germany and Denmark from which we import large quantities of pork.
The Dutch government says 'the high use of antibiotics in livestock farming is the most important factor in the development of antibiotic resistance, a consequence of which is the spread of resistant micro-organisms (MRSA included) in animal populations.' (Dr C P Veerman, Dutch Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Standards, Letter to Dutch Parliament December 2006)
E.coli
A new type of resistance in E.coli, Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL), has been spreading globally in recent years. E.coli are a major cause of urinary-tract infections and blood poisoning. In the UK 5–10% of all urinary-tract infections caused by E.coli are now ESBLs. According to the Chief Medical Officer, those who contract this form have a 30% risk of dying. This type of antibiotic resistance has now been found on large numbers of farms in the UK and it is suspected this is spreading to humans on food.
Landmarks in the Soil Association campaign
1985: First organic standards restricting the use of antibiotics
1995–2005: Campaign to ban antibiotic growth promoters, including two reports, lobbying and press releases
2001–2004: Published reports exposing high residue levels of toxic drugs in chicken and eggs. Two of three drugs highlighted now banned by EU, a third under voluntary restriction by UK egg producers
2003: Exposed the illegal use of the antibiotic avilamycin in broiler-chicken production
2004: Exposed the pig industry's continuing use of antibiotics for growth promotion
2006: Exposed the farm-antibiotic link to ESBL E.coli
2007: Published a report on MRSA in farm animals and meat
What the Soil Association is calling for now
- The phasing out of routine antibiotic use on farms
- A ban on advertising antibiotics to farmers
- Restrictions on the use of fluoroquinolones and 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins
- Safety data on drugs to be made publicly available
- Risks to be assessed in a more precautionary way when drugs are approved
- Withdrawal periods after drug use to be extended, in line with organic standards
- Proper surveillance of antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance in farm animals
- More support and resources for organic farming methods that reduce the need for antibiotics
Help us stop the abuse of antibiotics in farming
Soil Association membership is open to everyone who cares how food is produced and about the future of the planet.
» join the Soil Association as an adult member for £24
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Latest reports
2007: MRSA in farm animals and meat A new threat to human health.
» get the full report
» listen to the podcast [mp3, 5.7 MB]
» read the transcript
2004: Too hard to crack - eggs with drug residues Three million eggs eaten every day could contain residues of an illegally used drug.
» get the full report
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