The Obama administration released a five-year “national action plan” to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In a blog, the secretaries of Health, Agriculture and Defense say it is “a whole-of-government approach” built around slowing the spread of resistant bacteria; better surveillance to detect resistant bacteria; development of rapid tests to guide treatment of infections; more research into new antibiotics and alternative treatments; and expanded international health work. The blog says “fighting antibiotic resistance is a national priority.”
The White House plan incorporates the ongoing three-year FDA phase-out of the use of medically important antibiotics to promote weight gain by cattle, hogs, poultry and other food animals. The drugs would remain available, under the direction of veterinarians, to treat and prevent disease in livestock. FDA data show the bulk of antibiotic sales are for livestock consumption.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a rising issue in human health care. An estimated 23,000 people die and 2 million fall ill each year from antibiotic-resistant infections, says the Centers for Disease Control. The Obama administration began work last September on a national strategy for preserving the effectiveness of important antibiotics, including better stewardship in health care and agriculture of antimicrobials now in use, and research to find new antibiotics, vaccines, and diagnostics.
As part of the action plan, an administration official said the USDA “will conduct a lot more research into alternatives to antibiotics” in treating illness and promoting growth. When asked about setting targets to reduce antibiotic use, the official said the government has little data beyond the volume of drugs sold for animal use. There is no breakdown on antibiotic use by species or at which stages of production, he said.
Critics say the administration’s plan does not go far enough to restrict use of antibiotics in livestock and encourage development of new medicines, according to Politico.
A September 2014 fact sheet from the White House about action to combat resistant bacteria is available here.