Why is increased chance of infections like mastitis a problem?
In addition to the needless suffering of the animal, increased incidence of infections could lead to increased use of antibiotics and an increased risk of antimicrobial residues in milk and to antibiotic resistant bacteria. (Report on Public Health Aspects of the Use of Bovine Somatotropin, issued March 15-16, 1999, p.16, and available from The European CommissionFood Safety.) The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that Decreasing unnecessary or inappropriate antibiotic use, in humans and animals, will decrease the resistance pressure on the treated organisms. Ongoing efforts. . .are needed. . .so that the efficacy of antibiotics is preserved as long as possible.
