Antimicrobial Resistance Trends in Denmark Following the Ban on Including Antimicrobials in Livestock Feeds

The use of antimicrobials (substances that kill or inhibit microorganisms) in food animal production is one of the more controversial agricultural practices in the United States. The author of this 4-page PDF publication looks at the history of use of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) in Denmark over the years, which includes substantial use before 1999 and banning of AGPs in 1999 and after. He compares antimicrobial resistance in E. coli in livestock before and after the ban and implications that might have for human health. He notes that "it appears that antimicrobial resistance patterns in bacteria from animals and humans are not closely related." That is, banning use of AGPs in animal production does not appear to affect antimicrobial resistance in people.