Each year more than two million Americans are sickened and 23,000 die because of antibiotic-resistant infections, according to the latest report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The CDC said nearly half of all antibiotics prescribed are either unnecessary or used inappropriately.  According to the report, “Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used in human medicine.  However, up to 50% of all the antibiotics prescribed for people are not needed or are not optimally effective as prescribed.” 

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The agency urged doctors and patients to “think twice” before using antibiotics.  Regarding animals the report said, “Antibiotics are also commonly used in food animals to prevent, control and treat disease, and to promote the growth
 of food-producing animals.  The use of antibiotics for promoting growth is not necessary, and the practice should be phased out. Recent guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes a pathway toward this goal.”

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