Recorded presentation

Sarah Paige, MPH, Rational Pharmaceutical Management Plus, Management Sciences for Health, 4301 N Fairfax Drive, Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22203, (703) 248-1607, spaige@msh.org

Globally, researchers have confirmed the speculation that food animals serve as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Drug-resistant Campylobacter Enterococcus, Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus have been isolated in foods such as milk, eggs, and meat. While the introduction of resistant bacteria through the consumption of animal products is of significant concern, environmental regulators and public health experts are also concerned about the levels of resistant bacteria found in waste of factory farms or concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). CAFO waste is collected in large lagoons, and despite regulations requiring lagoons to be thoroughly sealed, leaks and overflow that can contaminate ground and surface waters are common occurrences. Although water is treated before reaching community water supplies, disinfection is often ineffective. The resulting contaminated waterways may serve as an additional source of exposure to these deadly drug-resistant pathogens. With evidence that drug-resistant bacterial genes are capable of zoonotic transfer, the World Health Organization recommends the prudent use of antibiotics in food animals. Preliminary results show that a reduction in the volume of antibiotics used in food animal production contributes to an increase in susceptible flora. For example, prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in a healthy community decreased from 12% in 1994 to 3% in 1997 after the discontinuation of avoparcin use in CAFOs. This paper reviews the evidence that such policies regarding the use of antibiotics in CAFOs can affect human exposure to drug-resistant pathogens from water sources.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• List antibiotics commonly used in animal agriculture and antibiotic-resistant bacteria that have emerged in the community
• Identify water-based routes of exposure, from source contamination to community consumption
• Strategize changes in the agricultural use of antibiotics to reduce the selective pressures and spread of drug-resistant bacteria while being mindful of agricultural production requirements

Keywords: Antibiotic Resistance, Environmental Exposures

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation