AAP report: Antibiotic use in animals contributes to resistance, threatens child health

Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health threat, causing at least 2.8 million infections and 35,000 deaths annually in the U.S., including in children. The cost of these infections is estimated to be between $21 billion and $34 billion annually, resulting in 8 million additional hospital days. Judiciary antibiotic use is crucial for reducing the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens. In the U.S., more antibiotics are used in agriculture than in humans. A revised AAP technical report explains how antibiotics in animal agriculture contribute to resistance and can negatively affect child health. The report also discusses U.S. initiatives to curb unnecessary use of antimicrobial agents in agriculture. Key actions include proper hand hygiene, supporting antimicrobial stewardship in agriculture, and supporting policies that strengthen oversight and require tracking and reporting of antibiotic use and resistance across human, animal, plant, and environmental sectors.