Public forum, March 18

Opinion

Discussion

March 18, 2010

Anonymous Pharos-Tribune Thu Mar 18, 2010, 02:21 PM EDT

Farm practices affect all of us

Antibiotic dependence in Hoosier Confined Animal Feeding Operations is consequential.

Agricultural antibiotic use contributes to resistant bacterial infections in humans which the Centers for Disease Control rank as a top concern worldwide. What we do in Indiana impacts the entire world.

Scientists say decreasing antimicrobial use in human medicine alone will have little effect on the current situation of growing antibiotic resistance and substantial efforts must be made to decrease inappropriate overuse in animals and agriculture.

Widespread use promotes antibiotic resistance. Livestock production accounts for over 70 percent of the antibiotics used in the United States. All CAFOs depending on antibiotics are proportionally responsible.

CDC does not link antibacterial chemicals in cleaning products with bacterial resistance. These products, not proven preventative, might even promote infection by destroying normal flora protection.

Antibiotics also destroy the flora of animals, especially in digestive, urinary and respiratory tracts. Expensive, technological CAFO environmental sterility is required due to compromised immunity with high risk for disease. Such measures serve productivity, not health.

High productivity is not a sufficient health indicator, but CAFO dependence on antibiotics red flags animals with severely compromised immunity. In a sustainable environment given food natural to their species, animals rarely require antibiotics.

Some “radicals” demand precautionary moratoriums on CAFO use of prophylactic antibiotics. It is not revolutionary, but prudent, to know the source, and diet, of the animals you eat.

Rev. Marian Patience Harvey

Health educator

Roachdale

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.

February 11, 2012
A positive step for public schools
Indiana is one of 10 states granted waivers last week from provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind law. The waiver appears to be a step forward for schools across the state.

February 11, 2012
An outstanding community effort
United Way of Cass County announced this week that it had raised more than $600,000 in its most recent campaign. The campaign’s success is a testament to the generosity of local residents and to the great work of the United Way and its member agencies.

February 9, 2012
Thorns & Roses
Thorns & Roses is our staff’s compilation of the best and worst of the week, but if you have your own nominations, feel free to send them along for publication in our Public Forum. Submissions of up to 400 words may be addressed to Pharos-Tribune, 517 E.
Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The fax number is 574-732-5070, and the email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com. Don’t forget to include your name, address and daytime telephone number.

February 9, 2012
Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.

February 8, 2012
Another step forward for local trails
Local officials broke ground this week on the planned Eel River Run from downtown to Riverside Park. The project will expand a trail system of which the community can be proud.

February 8, 2012
White should not return to office
The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state on charges of voter fraud has left Republicans and Democrats fighting over who will hold the office. No matter how the fight comes out, Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.

February 7, 2012
Even in names, Eli beats Peyton
Columnist Dave Kitchell looks at the names of Cass County's babies in 2011 - and the effect they may have had on the Super Bowl.

February 7, 2012
Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.

February 7, 2012
A grand success for Indianapolis
The just-ended Super Bowl was the result of decades of preparation. Indianapolis left a great impression on the thousands of visitors who descended on the city.

February 6, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Public forum, March 18

Indiana was among 10 states granted a waiver last week from requirements of the No Child Left Behind law. Do you believe that was a good move?

Site Map

Contact Us