Bacterial resistance to antibiotics increases because we give
bacteria too many opportunities. The migration of antibiotic
resistance from animal feeding operations into groundwater has
broad implications for human and ecological health. There are
roughly 238,000 animal feeding operations in the U.S., which
collectively generate about 500 million tons of manure per year.
Groundwater comprises about 40 percent of the public water
supply, and more than 97 percent of the drinking water used in
rural areas. While we scorn doctors that prescribe antibiotics
unnecessarily, we’re also beginning to shop for meat and poultry
products that are raised without routine antibiotic feed
additives. And one day we will be brave enough to stop teaching
bacteria by quitting the routine use of antiseptics in our
household. Many producers have quit the routine use of
antibiotics for young birds and during weaning. But many farmers
remain eager because protecting young livestock from bad
bacteria increases growth. But it’s difficu