While antibiotics are essential for treating infections, their overuse and misuse can lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can make common infections harder to treat. When used in animal agriculture, antibiotics can enter the environment through animal waste, potentially exposing bacteria in the environment to these drugs and contributing to the development of resistance.
Antibiotic resistance is a natural process, but human activities, such as the widespread use of antibiotics in animal agriculture, have accelerated the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics in animals and implementing sound antibiotic stewardship practices, we can help slow the emergence of antibiotic resistance and preserve the effectiveness of these essential medicines.
The use of antibiotics on plants, such as spraying them on fruits and vegetables, is generally not necessary and can also contribute to antibiotic resistance. Instead, good agricultural practices, proper sanitation, and post-harvest handling methods should be prioritized to ensure food safety.