TUCKER, Ga. – The US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) has released a video featuring experts who explain the current and future use of antibiotics in the poultry industry. The video features Dr. Randy Singer, professor of Epidemiology, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Medicine, Univ. of Minnesota, and Dr. Charles Hofacre, professor, Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, Department of Population Health, Univ.

“This video is intended to help those who are curious about antibiotic use in the poultry industry,” said Dr. Singer. “We tried to provide enough detail so that a perspective could be gained on how veterinarians work to protect the health of poultry flocks and the public at large.”

Drs. Singer and Hofacre explain why antibiotics are given to poultry, how antibiotics are provided and what factors impact the decision to administer antibiotics. Additional topics covered include how antibiotic use in poultry affects antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens; how flocks raised without antibiotics are treated if they get sick; the difference between medically and non-medically important antibiotics; and future changes for antibiotic use in poultry production.

“USPOULTRY and our members recognize there are questions about antibiotic use in the poultry industry,” said John Starkey, USPOULTRY president. “This video is intended to provide insight into current and future antibiotic use in the poultry industry, and we welcome any feedback from consumers who have additional questions.”

Click here to see the video.