Source: Michael Fielding, MEATINGPLACE, 3/27/15


The Obama Administration on Friday released its highly anticipated five-year antibiotic resistance plan, the culmination of a year-long effort by the administration to address antibiotic resistance with more than $1.2 billion in federal funding in the FY 2016 Budget alone.

Last September, President Obama’s Executive Order 13676: Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria outlined steps for implementing the National Strategy on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and addressing the policy recommendations of the president’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology report on antibiotic resistance.

The 63-page plan outlines the government’s approach over the next five years:
• Slow the emergence of resistant bacteria and prevent the spread of resistant infections;
• strengthen national "One-Health" surveillance efforts;
• advance development and use of rapid and innovative diagnostic tests;
• accelerate basic and applied research and development;
• and improve international collaboration and capacities.

According to the plan, by 2020 animal producers will have eliminated the use of medically important antibiotics for growth promotion in food-producing animals.

The plan calls for the development of “non-traditional therapeutics, vaccines, and innovative strategies to minimize outbreaks caused by resistant bacteria in human and animal populations,” such as prebiotics and probiotics. It also suggests that veterinarians and producers identify natural compounds with antibiotic activity, such as phytochemicals, essential oils, organic acids, animal-derived lytic enzymes and small interfering RNAs.

FDA estimates that 107 antibiotics used for therapeutic purposes, including disease prevention or control, do not have a defined duration of therapy or are labeled for continuous use. An analysis by the Pew Charitable Trusts estimates that 83 antibiotics used for disease prevention or control have an overlapping dose with a production use. These antibiotics are at high risk of being inappropriately administered, which could pose a risk to human health.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.