A pair of bills have been sent to the California Governor’s Desk regarding antibiotic use in farm animals and humans. The bills would prohibit the use of antibiotics in farm animals as growth enhancers and establish programs to ensure responsible use of antibiotics in humans. Iowa Pork Producers President Jamie Schmidt is concerned about the possible effects of setting a dangerous precedent that could impact all producers working to keep their animals healthy.
Schmidt is hoping a more reasonable and thoughtful approach will be taken on antibiotics in other states and across the nation than what California has taken.
Schmidt says most of the antibiotics used in farm animals are not used in humans.
The California lawmaker who brought the legislation is hoping by prohibiting antibiotics as growth promoters will reduce antibiotic resistance.