The FDA, USDA, and CDC held a public meeting on Wednesday to discuss methods and strategies for antibiotic data collection in poultry and livestock facilities. The goal of collecting antibiotic data on farms would be to fulfill the objectives of the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. The National Action Plan aims to investigate the use of antibiotics in human and animal medicine, judicious use principles to decrease the rate of antibiotic resistance, and areas where resistance has developed.
Representatives from the federal agencies presented overviews of existing and historical antimicrobial data collection programs; current on-farm research studies on antimicrobial use; and proposed frameworks for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating antimicrobial use data. Links to each of the presentations made at the meeting are available here.
Interested parties were given an opportunity to provide public comment at the meeting, and a total of 21 individuals participated in the public comment portion. Perspectives from members of the livestock industry, academia, and consumer groups were offered on data collection methodology, analysis, and application to the National Action Plan initiatives. The public is additionally being provided with the opportunity submit written comments by November 30. Additional information on submitting written comments may be found here.
