The use of antibiotics in animal agriculture has elicited increasing concern among the general public, policy makers and consumers who are increasingly aware and interested about where their food comes from. Criticism primarily revolves around such use and its potential contribution to antibiotic resistance. However, the issue is frequently oversimplified. There exists a need to promote antibiotic use in a judicious, careful manner across all fronts – in both animals and humans. As such, everyone has a vested stake in engaging in meaningful dialogue and creating successful strategies to preserve antibiotic efficacy – it’s a matter of public health across the globe.

Click here to read the White Paper from the 2012 Symposium (550 kb pdf)

This forum will build upon information and consensus from the previous symposium which was held Oct. 26-27, 2011. Key aspects around antibiotic resistance were aggregated around presentations involving 13 scientists in both the animal and human health arena who addressed a wide array of current research and initiatives regarding the use of antibiotics. Interest in the previous symposium has been overwhelming with nearly 250,000 views. Moreover, the symposium established an important White Paper (2011)(available in English, Spanish and Portuguese) detailing various aspects of antibiotic resistance that has witnessed over 25,000 downloads.

While continuing the effort to bring all sides of this issue together to share these concerns and to find answers to these questions, this forum will also include input from a global perspective, especially from parts of the world where antibiotic use is regulated differently than in the United States. This conference will be focused on participation by attendees in the discussions, and has as its goal to clearly map a path forward with specific recommendations and strategies.

The White Paper (2011) and other information about the 2011 Symposium and about the National Institute for Animal Agriculture can be accessed through NIAA's website at www.AnimalAgriculture.org.

ARPAS has approved 16 CE credits for the 2012 NIAA Antibiotics Symposium.