Eliminating Antibiotic Use Would Cost Cattlemen $1.8 Billion

Kansas State University recently announced the results of a study on the economic impact of treating high-risk groups of animals with antimicrobials.  They undertook the study to contribute to the growing public debate on antibiotic use in animal agriculture.  The study focused on the practice (called metaphylaxis) of treating an entire pen of high-risk animals to eliminate or minimize the onset of disease.  USDA said metaphylaxis is used selectively by 59% of American feedlots on 20% of all cattle on feed.

“There’s a general sentiment and public policy concern about the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture,” says Ted Schroeder, a Kansas State Livestock Economist. “Our study assessed the economic impacts on the beef cattle industry and consumers of using the practice in the beef cattle industry.”

The major finding was if metaphylaxis were eliminated in the U.S. without viable alternatives, it could cost the industry as much as $1.8 billion.  The resulting reduction in profitability through the beef industry would be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

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