Discussing the Relationship Between Antibiotic Use in the Poultry Industry and the Antibiotic Resistance Crisis

Antibiotic resistance has become an urgent global public health issue. Although not often reported in mainstream media, antibiotics fundamental to healthcare are becoming increasingly ineffective as resistant bacteria diversify and spread. Many patients infected by resistant bacteria are unable to be treated, struggling to recover and dying in the worst cases. It is important to educate society about antibiotic resistance, an issue that has continued to affect many globally, including in the United States. Specifically, this article reports on how antibiotic use in the poultry industry has become a contributing factor to increasing antibiotic resistance. The goal of this article is to encourage society to work collaboratively to address this urgent issue. Throughout the article, statistical numbers and testimonials from those researching antibiotic resistance, those in the poultry industry, and those affected by antibiotic resistance are included. These viewpoints offer a holistic view of the antibiotic-resistant issue and encourage readers to form varied interpretations necessary to facilitate dialogue and develop working solutions.