Editor,

This month, President Obama ordered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to “take steps” toward eliminating the use of medically important antibiotics for growth promotion in food producing animals and in 2013 the FDA asked pharmaceutical companies to “voluntarily” stop providing antibiotics to farms for growth production purposes.

Obviously, little has been done. But perhaps more unsettling: Why is it that no one in New Mexico is talking about this?

Despite the two million who have been affected by and the 23,000 annually who die as a result of antibiotic resistance, not a single local newspaper has published an article.

Despite the numerous organic farms and local restaurants that serve antibiotic-free meat throughout the state, nothing was written. It is outrageous that we continue to allow millions of people to get sick and thousands to die over an issue that is fixable. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem, but a majority can be traced back to the factory farms where we get most of our food.

Eighty percent of antibiotics in America are used on factory farms. The obvious question is why? With thousands sick and even more susceptible to infection, its disturbing that only 20 percent is used where we really need it.

Antibiotics are the miracle of modern medicine, but should be used sparingly. The more we abuse antibiotics, the less capable they will be.

We cannot develop new antibiotics at the same rate in which superbugs are developing a resistance. A world without productive and helpful antibiotics is rapidly approaching. And that is, quite simply, a terrifying prospect. Antibiotics are meant to treat diseases. They are not meant to prevent animals from becoming sick or to Frankenstein bigger animals for ease of consumption. Voluntary acts — which, lets face it, mean little to nothing — are not enough to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Asking politely doesn’t keep people safe; it is time for the FDA to actually act. The FDA needs to do more than ask pharmaceutical companies to “voluntarily” stop providing antibiotics. The president needs to do more than ask the FDA to “take steps.” Perhaps it’s time for the media to start the conversation.

Sincerely,

Faith Sears

UNM student