http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-04-29/will-california-enact-european-style-rules-prevent-overuse-drugs-livestock
So I came across this audio tape from Public Radio International discussing how California is attempting to ban all antibiotics used for growth promotion. Following Europe's large success in decreasing antibiotic use after declaring the law in 2006, California is attempting to do the same. However, they're getting a large resistance from livestock producers (mostly for fear of money loss in my opinion). Bill Mattos, president of the California Poultry Federation, stated, "It won't work in California and it won't work in America. We're not Europe, we're America. We have 300 million people here. You can't kill every chicken that gets sick, you've got to treat it." I have many issues with the statement, and a little confusion accompanying it, too. Mattos states that "We're not Europe" and "We have 300 million people here", but what do these numbers have to do with Europe and the ban of antibiotics? Europe has approximately 731 million people, so I'm sure he can't be saying we are too many people to make this work… Also, he says, "You can't kill every chicken that gets sick, you've got to treat it." Well, if Mr. Mattos would take notice, the ban is on antibiotics for the purpose of growth. The European Union still allows antibiotics for health related reasons, as would California if the bill passed. I just can't agree with Mattos, and his arguments provide little support for his case. I provided the link for anyone interested in hearing the audio and making their own decision!
So I came across this audio tape from Public Radio International discussing how California is attempting to ban all antibiotics used for growth promotion. Following Europe's large success in decreasing antibiotic use after declaring the law in 2006, California is attempting to do the same. However, they're getting a large resistance from livestock producers (mostly for fear of money loss in my opinion). Bill Mattos, president of the California Poultry Federation, stated, "It won't work in California and it won't work in America. We're not Europe, we're America. We have 300 million people here. You can't kill every chicken that gets sick, you've got to treat it." I have many issues with the statement, and a little confusion accompanying it, too. Mattos states that "We're not Europe" and "We have 300 million people here", but what do these numbers have to do with Europe and the ban of antibiotics? Europe has approximately 731 million people, so I'm sure he can't be saying we are too many people to make this work… Also, he says, "You can't kill every chicken that gets sick, you've got to treat it." Well, if Mr. Mattos would take notice, the ban is on antibiotics for the purpose of growth. The European Union still allows antibiotics for health related reasons, as would California if the bill passed. I just can't agree with Mattos, and his arguments provide little support for his case. I provided the link for anyone interested in hearing the audio and making their own decision!