I woke up early, today, to go to my doctor, for my first month's weigh in my new super diet. I have lost 6 pounds, which should be enough to keep me out of the "circle of shame." So, I was extra happy to read Dan Pierson's More drug makers agree to limit antibiotics for farm animals, in the LA Times. Here, finally, seemed to be an upbeat success story about the FDA and 25 out of 26 big agribusinesses voluntarily cooperating to do the right thing for the common good of the people, by reducing the excess use of antibiotics to promote growth in healthy farm animals.
The Food and Drug Administration said 25 of 26 drug companies that were asked to phase out antibiotics to promote growth in farm animals have agreed to comply with the agency’s voluntary plan.
80% of all antibiotics are used on farms, often on health animals to promote growth and control unsanitary conditions which is leading to anti-biotic resistance. We learn from Pierson that the CDC reports 2 million people are afflicted with "superbugs" that contribute to 23,000 deaths/year.
So far so good. I looked forward to finally have some good news to report after my image consultants warned me of becoming typecast as the "alarmist" always bearing bad news. "you don't want to be in the next crowd of leftists to get kicked out. You leftest are always getting kicked out, Oy," they said. "you better shape up and start being pleasant. And smile more, and say nice things about people!" As if my life were not tough enough already with this diet.
Well, okay, this shouldn't be that hard, here's a good article to start the new "Happy HoundDog campaign with.
"But, then the news was rather sad, but I just at to laugh."
Turns out chickens are excepted. Then the real truth comes out. When the FDA proposal first came out in December, they asked drug makers to remove the "growth promotion claims from their label, making it illegal to prescribe antibiotics for anything other than medical reasons. But fearing manufacturers would resist the plan, causing costly litigation and delay, they made the plan "voluntary."
We do not learn what is really going on until an interview with the Avinash Kar, of the Natural Resources Defense Council, who notes that the same animals can be given exactly the same antibiotic for crowded and unsanitary conditions, so all that that happened is a minor labeling change to divert the long drive by the scientist in, and out of the, the FDA, and doctors who have dedicated their lives' to fighting the development of antibiotic resistant superbugs. The leadership of the FDA seems to have "caved," responsibility for which ultimately rests on "our" doorstep. Perhaps, this explains why "leftist hounddogs often look so sad with our droopy jowels.?
Rogers said the FDA also needs to crack down on antibiotic use to compensate for overcrowded and unsanitary conditions on farms.
While no statistics exist, Avinash Kar, an attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, fears that antibiotics could still be used widely for this reason.
“The FDA is just limiting antibiotic use for growth promotion, but the same animals are given the same antibiotics because of the crowded conditions,” Kar said. “Current levels of antibiotic use are likely to continue, but just with a different justification and label. That won’t do anything to protect human health.”
So much for my "Happy HoundDog Campaign." Perhaps, this is a step in the right direction and our Obama administration is secretly fighting a tough battle behind the scenes, and offering encouragement to the many scientists and activists who've been dedicating their lives to fighting the terrifying emergence of antibiotic resistant superbugs, who must now be discouraged and feel betrayed.
I'll have to do more research into this. Fo now I'm back to my using cynical self. Oh well, that will change soon, as there's a Burger King right next to the doctor's office, and I haven't eaten or drunk anything for the last 14 hours. In 2 hours it's going to be HoundDog go wild time in Boston! And to make sure we have a tie in for his article I'm going to break my six month long fast of red meat and have me some antibiotic resistant hamburger. Woof, woof! Then we will see what true happiness looks like.