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antibiotics


Protecting U.S. Swine Health Using A “One Health” Approach

November 20, 2019 Tracy Nicholson, Research Microbiologist, Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center

This week is World Antibiotic Awareness Week and USDA’s Agriculture Research Service (ARS) remains committed to using a “One Health” approach in conducting research that will identify solutions to help prolong the usefulness of a very precious resource—antibiotics. For example, ARS research includes...

Animals Health and Safety Research and Science

A Bacterial Reboot for Penicillin

October 09, 2018 Jan Suszkiw, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Agricultural Research Service

The next time you stroll outside after the rain, thank the soil bacteria below for the sweet, earthy smell that fills the air.

Research and Science

Flushed Away...Probing For Antibiotic Presence in Our Food Supply

February 17, 2017 Dennis O'Brien, Public Affairs Specialist, Agricultural Research Service

It’s a question with major public-health implications: Could antibiotics and other widely used medications get into our food supply when they are flushed into our sewers? To try to answer that question, researchers from USDA and Penn State University (PSU) assessed whether some commonly used...

Research and Science

Proactive Efforts by U.S. Federal Agencies Enable Early Detection of New Antibiotic Resistance

May 26, 2016 David J. Smith, M.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Readiness Policy and Oversight, Cathie Woteki, Ph. D., USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education & Economics; Beth P. Bell, MD MPH, Director of CDC’s National Center for Emerging a

Just over a year ago, President Obama released a National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria. As part of that plan, he also charged the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with co-chairing a Presidential...

Research and Science

Stewardship, Antibiotics and Veterinary Medical Ethics - A Call for Action

November 20, 2015 Dr. John Clifford, Co-Chair, USDA One Health Joint Working Group and Chief Veterinary Officer

Stewardship is an ethic that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources. And as World Antibiotics Awareness Week comes to a close today, it’s important to note that the Veterinary Medicine profession too has a role to play in the use of antibiotics for animal health. This...

Animals Plants

Alternatives to Antibiotics to Keep Food Animals Healthy

November 18, 2015 Dr. Steven Kappes, USDA One Health Joint Working Group Co-Chair and Deputy Administrator, Animal Production and Protection, USDA Agricultural Research Service

Antibiotics are lifesavers. We depend on them to treat bacterial infections and diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis and strep throat, as well as ear infections and infected wounds. In response to U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance, veterinarians and producers are moving toward more...

Animals Plants

USDA Embraces One Health Approach for Solving Problems Associated with Antimicrobial Resistance

November 16, 2015 Dr. Catherine Woteki, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics

This week is World Antibiotic Awareness Week and USDA remains focused on prolonging the usefulness of a very precious resource—antibiotics. These medicines successfully treat and prevent infectious diseases and must be used responsibly to remain effective to all who need them. USDA also recognizes...

Food and Nutrition

Putting Antibiotic Stewardship into Action

June 04, 2015 Dr. Catherine Woteki, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics

The White House on June 2 convened a national forum to seek action on the problem of anti-microbial resistance. The development of antibiotics was one of the most significant medical achievements of the last century, and has helped to save millions of lives. But their overuse or misuse has resulted...

Food and Nutrition
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