The use of antibiotics in livestock creates strains that are dangerous to humans

Scientists at the University of Oxford conducted a study of the interaction of antibiotics used in animal agriculture and new strains of viruses. The results of the study were published in the journal eLife. At the moment, scientists have already identified a strain of E. coli that easily bypasses the first line of defense of the human body.

A strain of E. coli, resistant to the first line of defense of the human immune system, appeared in Chinese livestock enterprises as a result of the massive use of the antibiotic Colistin - it is used for the treatment and prevention of many animal diseases, including salmonellosis. At the moment, most countries have banned the use of Colistin as a food additive, but it is registered as a veterinary drug, including in RUSSIA, and many farmers use it to prevent infections. Thus, the publication “Veterinary Medicine and Life”, with reference to ROSSELKHOZNADZOR specialists , indicates that at large poultry enterprises, “Kolistin” can be given to the entire flock of birds.

At the same time, “Colistin” refers to reserve funds, experts point out. This means that such an antibiotic is used as a last resort if all other drugs have not helped - which means that if the bacteria is resistant to this antibiotic, not a single medicine will help a person in case of infection.

In order to prevent the creation of dangerous strains that are resistant to the human immune defense and most antibiotics, scientists recommend switching to alternative methods of protection - for example, for the prevention and treatment of salmonellosis in piglets, scientists suggest using drugs based on bacteriophages.