Pitch
Last week, the Obama administration announced executive orders had been issued in an attempt by federal agencies to combat the persistence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It has become a problem in the medical field trying to develop vaccinations that can eradicate bacteria that has become more resistant to common antibiotics.
Guy Loneragan, a veterinary epidemiologist and professor of food safety and health at Texas Tech University, has done extensive research in the area of antimicrobial resistance. His research has received funding from the USDA’s National Institutes of Food and Agriculture and through cooperative agreements and grants from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service.
Expert
Guy Loneragan, veterinary epidemiologist and professor of food safety and health, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University, (806) 834-1291 or [email protected].
Talking Points
• One of the experts leading the charge in developing ways to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Loneragan presented his research on antimicrobial resistance to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association at the same time the White House announced its initiatives to slow the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.• Loneragan believes there needs to be a balance between the societal benefits of antibiotic use in livestock to the societal risks. He said the societal perspective will bring veterinarians, public health officials, food security experts and others to the table for very important discussions.
Quotes• “Our overarching goal is to preserve the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations. Antibiotic resistance is an incredibly serious threat that could reverse decades of medical advances.”• “We must look for opportunities to constantly improve, and that improvement ought to focus on using less antibiotics. While zero ought not be a goal, we need to innovate, evaluate and implement approaches that decrease the need for all types of antibiotic use.”
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