That antibiotic is banned from use on farms, so the
researchers are puzzled by finding it in fecal samples collected at a 1,500-sow
operation.
They speculate that it could be the transfer of a gene that
provides resistance to other antibiotics, and mention ceftiofur which is
commonly administered to newborns and again at castration.
That type of transfer has been identified in livestock in
Europe and Asia, but until now, not in the United States.
Both the researchers and the National Pork Board say more
research is required to determine how this Cabopenem-resistant bacteria
developed on a pig farm.
The pork board also noted that the discovery was in samples
from sows, not market hogs, and insisted that the U.S. pork supply is safe for consumers.
Pretty lame, guys!
