Antibiotic Resistance
Safe Disposal of Veterinary Pharmaceuticals
Publish Date: May 15, 2013
Pharmaceutical compounds are increasingly being detected at low levels in ground and surface waters. Although environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals measured to date are far lower than the intended therapeutic doses, there is concern that the potential exists for these chemicals to have an adverse impact on aquatic life and human health. Disposal of pharmaceutical compounds is becoming a complex environmental issue. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), little is known about the potential health effects to humans or aquatic organisms exposed to the low levels of most of the chemicals or mixtures commonly found in their studies. But the safety and health of the environment is directly affected by the disposal method, so it is important that we all be responsible when disposing of these products. Presently, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not offer specific guidelines for disposal of pharmaceutical waste, but they do offer an educational video on the subject, available by visiting www.avma.org and searching “drug disposal”.
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Basic Guidelines of Judicious Therapeutic Use of Antimicrobials in Pork Production for Pork Producers
Publish Date: April 5, 2012
The use of antimicrobials is beneficial both for the health of the animal and for human health. There is an increased awareness about how the use of antimicrobials affects bacterial resistance to these products. Pork producers must properly handle and administer antimicrobials if they are to maintain public trust and the availability and effectiveness of these products. The industrys Pork Quality Assurance Program is an example of the proactive approach the pork industry has taken to enable the production of a safe, quality product.
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