Editor:

We are quickly losing the effective use of antibiotics, one of the most effective tools in our medical arsenal. This crisis has occurred because antibiotics are routinely added to the feed of animals raised for food. These antibiotics are often the same ones that humans utilize, and the bacteria that survive their journey through the food chain are increasingly resistant to their application.

The American Medical Association and the World Health Organization are desperately concerned about the loss of this essential medical tool. Environmental and animal protection groups have joined the medical community in calling for an end to this practice. Antibiotics should be given to sick animals, just as they are given to sick people, not as a routine additive.

Dr. Margaret Chan, the director general of the World Health Organization, warned in 2011 that “in the absence of urgent corrective and protective actions, the world is heading toward a post-antibiotic era, in which many common infections will no longer have a cure and, once again, kill unabated.” Private chains such as Whole Foods and Natural Grocers have also joined this campaign and do not offer meat for sale that has been raised with the routine use of antibiotics.

In view of this unanimity of opinion, why has Senator Bennet refused to co-sponsor S 621, a Senate bill that would restrict the routine use of antibiotics? This bill, called the Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act, is essential to our health and the health of future generations. I have contacted his office to request that he co-sponsor PARA and I hope others will do the same.

Larry WeissDenver