Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are large-scale industrial agricultural facilities that house and feed a high density of livestock. They are associated with significant environmental and public health concerns, including the spread of drug-resistant bacteria.
congrats on reading the definition of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). now let's actually learn it.
CAFOs often use antibiotics in sub-therapeutic doses to promote growth and prevent disease in crowded conditions.
The overuse of antibiotics in CAFOs contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Drug-resistant bacteria from CAFOs can spread to humans through direct contact, consumption of contaminated meat, or environmental pathways such as water runoff.
Regulations and monitoring of antibiotic use in CAFOs vary widely by country and region, impacting the effectiveness of efforts to curb AMR.
Research indicates that reducing antibiotic use in agriculture is crucial for controlling the global spread of drug-resistant pathogens.
Review Questions
How do CAFOs contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance?
What are some ways drug-resistant bacteria from CAFOs can reach humans?
Why is reducing antibiotic use in CAFOs important for public health?
Related terms
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): The ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of drugs that once killed them or inhibited their growth.
Sub-therapeutic Antibiotic Use: The administration of antibiotics at low doses not intended to treat disease but rather to promote growth and prevent illness.