PHILADELPHIA – Pennsylvania dairy producers routinely use antibiotics, although the practice could have long-range implications for human health by creating a breeding ground for drug-resistant bacteria. At a recent meeting in Philadelphia, experts discussed the issue, including Robert Martin, senior officer with the Pew Environmental Group. In dairy-producing states, he says, farmers tend to overuse antibiotics. “Seventy percent of the antibiotics and related drugs that are consumed in the country are used as non-therapeutic uses in livestock production, that is a major contributor to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.” Those resistant bacteria can infect people, which makes antibiotics for humans less effective, Martin explains. ” (contd.)  Podcast and entire story available: www.newsservice.org/index.php