Dust Emissions from Cattle Feed Yards: A Source of Antibiotic Resistance?

Nate Seltenrich covers science and the environment from Petaluma, CA. His work has appeared in High Country News, Sierra, Yale Environment 360, Earth Island Journal, and other regional and national publications. About This Article open Citation: Seltenrich N. 2015. Dust emissions from cattle feed yards: a source of antibiotic resistance? Environ Health Perspect 123:A96; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.123-A96 News Topics: Agriculture and Farming, Antibiotic Resistance, Livestock Issues, Microbial Agents, Particulate Matter (PM), Pharmaceuticals Published: 1 April 2015 PDF Version (374 KB) Related EHP Article Antibiotics, Bacteria, and Antibiotic Resistance Genes: Aerial Transport from Cattle Feed Yards via Particulate Matter Andrew D. McEachran, Brett R. Blackwell, J. Delton Hanson, Kimberly J. Wooten, Gregory D. Mayer, Stephen B. Cox, and Philip N. Smith The practice of using antibiotics in modern cattle-feeding operations has caused concerns about its potential contribution to the spread of antimicrobial resistance.1,2,3 In this issue of EHP, researchers examine the extent to which five commonly used antibiotics, together with antibiotic-resistance genes and ruminant-associated microbes, disperse from large-scale cattle feed yards via airborne particulate matter (PM).4 Antibiotics administered via livestock feed are not fully metabolized, and metabolites and parent compounds are excreted through feces and urine that accumulate on feed yard floors.1,5 Subse...
Source: EHP Research - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Featured News Science Selection Agriculture and Farming Antibiotic Resistance April 2015 Livestock Issues Microbial Agents Particulate Matter (PM) Pharmaceuticals Source Type: research