LIFE WILL hardly remain the same when we get to the other side of the covid-19 pandemic. Among the few things that are likely to remain unchanged is the popularity of fast food and the fear of a looming antibiotic apocalypse. The two are, in fact, linked.
Chicken, considered a staple on fast-food menus, are routinely administered antibiotics throughout their short lifecycle of 35-42 days, even in the absence of any clinical sign of infection. Poultry keepers say it prevents diseases while helping the birds easily gain weight with less feed. In 2014, a laboratory test conducted by Delhi non-profit Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found residues of multiple antibiotics in chicken samples (see ‘Hatching superbugs’, 1-15 August, 2014). In its subsequent surveys, CSE researchers found that even poultry feed manufacturers, whether selling in the open market or online, add antibiotics liberally to the feed (see ‘Perpetually on antibiotics’, 1-15 April, 2020). Several of these, such as erythromycin, tylosin, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin, belong to antibiotic classes that are critically important for humans. They are the sole or one of the limited therapies available to treat infections caused by bacteria from non-human sources. Ciprofloxacin that belongs to antibiotic class fluoroquinolone and erythromycin that belongs to class macrolide is used in treating common respiratory and urinary tract infections. who categorizes these classes as “highest priority critically important antimicrobials” (HPCIAS).
Denne historien er fra May 01, 2020-utgaven av Down To Earth.
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Denne historien er fra May 01, 2020-utgaven av Down To Earth.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits
DIGGING A DISASTER
Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient
MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE
As India works to double its GDP by 2030, its steel industry must balance growth with sustainability. By embracing policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 and adopting green technologies, India is paving the way for a more sustainable future in steel production
Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?
Anusandhan National Research Foundation is expected to reorient India's innovation goals but funding issues, old mindsets remain a drag
TROUBLED WOODS
Forests are a great bulwark against climate change. But this is fast changing. AKSHIT SANGOMLA travels through some of the pristine patches of the Western Ghats to explore how natural disturbances triggered by global warming now threaten the forest health
BLINDING GLOW
The science is clear: increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improved the quality of outdoor lighting.
GROUND REALITY
What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?
GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC
On July 23, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to develop a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce through public consultation.
Vinchurni's Gandhi
A 96-year-old farmer transforms barren land into a thriving forest in drought-prone region of Satara
