From: Henney, Jane
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2001 10:45 PM
To: EXECSEC
Subject: FW: End Use of Human Antibiotics in Livestock Feed



> ----------
> From: 	SBDonora@internetcds.com[SMTP:SBDONORA@INTERNETCDS.COM]
> Sent: 	Thursday, March 08, 2001 10:45:41 PM
> To: 	jhenney@oc.fda.gov
> Subject: 	End Use of Human Antibiotics in Livestock Feed
> Auto forwarded by a Rule
> 
Sue Donora
3926 NE 64th Ave
Portland, OR  97213

SBDonora@internetcds.com


Dear Dr. Henney,

I am writing in support of Petition 99P-0485 to urge you to ban medically useful antibiotics from livestock feed.

For decades, livestock producers have fed human antibiotics to hogs, cows and poultry to speed their growth or counteract the effects of crowded living conditions and poor hygiene.  In fact, about one third of the antibiotics manufactured in the United States each year ends up in animal feed.  Mounting evidence has proven that the overuse of antibiotics for livestock makes the drugs less effective for humans.

Scientists, health organizations and governments around the world are urging that antibiotics not be squandered on fattening livestock.  The World Health Organization recommended that antibiotics used to treat humans not be used to promote animal growth.  The GAO reported that "research has linked three diseases with antibiotic-resistant strains affecting humans to the use of antibiotics in animals;" and the European Union has already banned human antibiotics in animal feed.

I grew up on a cattle and sheep ranch in southern Oregon. Although my father was always very careful when medicating our livestock, I witnessed many other ranchers who were not.  Do not trust ranchers to 'make the responsible decision' - they won't.  It's up to government to monitor and regulate this issue.  

I urge you not to allow an antibiotic to be used in livestock feed if that antibiotic is used in human medicine.  Please tell me how you plan to address this looming health crisis.

Sincerely,


Sue Donora