11/2/06 Poultry Antibiotics Not Always Good

Poultry antibiotics not always good. I'm Greg Martin with today's Line On Agriculture. According to a study conducted by Marshfield Clinic researchers - antibiotics used by poultry producers can actually increase the risk of resistance in humans using similar drugs to treat serious infections. Marshfield Clinic Research Center physician and scientist Dr. Edward Belongia says the three-year study centered around the use of virginiamycin (Virginia-my-sin) - an antibiotic the poultry industry uses to raise bigger poultry. BELONGIA: According to Belongia - the study shows that strains of common, generally harmless bacteria can actually be made resistant to antibiotics used to treat infections acquired in places like hospitals and nursing homes. In fact - Belongia says there are particular genes that can contribute to Synercid resistance - and he says consuming poultry increases the risk factor for having those genes. BELONGIA: Ultimately - Belongia says the study shows a need for caution when using certain drugs as growth promoters. That's today's Line On Agriculture. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.