Tough bugs persist on poultry
US - Antibiotic-resistant bacteria continued to be found in chickens bought at area supermarkets a year after two large poultry producers stopped using an antibiotic blamed for creating the resistant strains, Johns Hopkins researchers report.The researchers say the findings suggest antibiotic-resistant bacteria may persist in the poultry industry after the use of the antibiotics, known as fluoroquinolones, has stopped and may contaminate more poultry than previously thought.
However, one of the producers and a researcher not involved with the study said the study did not show whether the amount of bacteria found presented a health risk. They also said the findings were not clear on whether the resistant strains were naturally present or use of the antibiotic caused the resistant strains.
In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed banning the two fluoroquinolones used in poultry. Abbott Laboratories of Abbott Park, Ill., agreed immediately to pull its version, Sara Flox.
Source: Washington Times
11 April 2005
1 minute read
