In human medicine, fluoroquinolones are powerful broad-spectrum antimicrobials used to treat resistant infections. Evidence suggests that veterinary use may compromise their effectiveness. Is there a risk, if so, what is the risk posed by veterinary use of fluoroquinolones to public health? Three risk assessments from: Georgetown University, FDA-Center for Veterinary Medicine, and Cox Associates address the use of the fluoroquinolones (FQs) in livestock and the public health implications of the emergence of fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter. The methods, results, and questions addressed in the studies and their use to identify and develope potential risk-reduction policy measures will be explored. BSE is a degenerative disease affecting cattle and was first diagnosed in humans in the UK in 1986. Since 1989 the US has put several protective measures in place and to date, BSE has not been reported. Are current measures sufficient to prevent BSE from emerging in the US and posing a risk? If so what additional steps can be taken? To address these questions the USDA initiated " The Harvard University BSE Risk Assessment" in 1998 through a cooperative agreement with the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis. This risk assessment will assist USDA in evaluating the controls it currently has in place and to determine if additional measures are needed. The study evaluates the possible pathways by which cattle and humans may be exposed to the BSE agent in the US. The results of the BSE risk assessment and the insight provided into current controls and additional measures will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this talk, the participant should be able to discuss: 1) the public health risks associated with veternary use of fluoroquinolones and 2) effectiveness of current U.S. policy to prevent BSE.
Keywords: Food Safety, Risk Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: United States Department of Agriculture-Food Safety and Inspection Services, Food and Drug Administration-Center for Veterinary Medicince, Cox and Associateds, Harvard University.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.