Second Nat'l Symposium Set on Antibiotic Use in Food Animals

By CnAgri2012-07-12 19:54:13 Print

When the topic of antibiotic use in food animals comes up in a conversation, most individuals have a point of view, and many of the discussions are based on emotion rather than facts. After all, we all have a vested concern in the food we eat and our health.

One way to become fully informed about the facts related to antibiotics use and resistance is to participate in "A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Use and Resistance: A Dialogue for a Common Purpose" symposium on Nov. 13-15, in Columbus, Ohio. Hosted by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, the symposium is open to all who have a stake in engaging in meaningful dialogue and creating successful strategies to preserve antibiotic efficacy.

"There is a need for sharing of relevant, scientific information and ongoing dialogue among experts within animal agriculture and those within public health," states symposium co-chair Leah C. Dorman, DVM, Director of Food Programs, Center for Food and Animal Issues, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

"This symposium promises to deliver the latest research findings and serve as a platform where experts in the field of antimicrobials--public, animal and environmental health--can engage and learn from each other. It's also where consumers, policy makers and organization leaders, etc. can become armed with the facts presented by these individuals."

Symposium co-chair Jennifer Koeman, DVM, Director of Producer and Public Health for the National Pork Board, underscores that the 2012 antibiotic use and resistance symposium will build upon information and consensus points established from the 2011 symposium that was conducted in Chicago.

The 2012 symposium will kick off in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 13, and conclude in the early afternoon on Thursday, Nov. 15. In addition to high-level, highly regarded speakers, the symposium will include group discussions and time for attendees to ask questions.

The agenda, presentation topics and confirmed presenters for the "A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Use and Resistance: A Dialogue for a Common Purpose" symposium is available online at http://animalagriculture.org/Solutions/Symposia/2012_antibiotics/agenda.html

The white paper summarizing the 2011 antibiotic use symposium is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese and can be accessed online on the National Institute for Animal Agriculture's website: www.animalagriculture.org

To register for or to learn more about the Nov. 13-15, 2012, "A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Use and Resistance: A Dialogue for a Common Purpose" symposium, please go online to www.animalagriculture.org or call 719-538-8843.