Infections resistant to treatment by antibiotics can be deadly. And they are on the rise. In an effort to save some of our most crucial medicines, the federal government is imposing new rules, beginning January 1st, on how antibiotics can be used to treat livestock. Among other provisions, farmers now must have something called a V-F-D before giving antibiotics to their animals. Harvest Public Media’s Amy Mayer explains.
Harvest Public Media is a reporting collaboration focused on issues of food, fuel and field. Harvest covers agriculture-related topics through a network of reporters and partner stations throughout the Midwest.