New York considers banning non-therapeutic antimicrobials

Albany, N.Y.

-- New York lawmakers are looking to curb antimicrobial usage by pre-filing new legislation that would make non-therapeutic antimicrobial use a misdemeanor offense.

Senate Bill 80, pre-filed Dec. 10, 2010, would make it a misdemeanor to use non-therapeutic antimicrobials in cattle, poultry, sheep, swine or any other animals raised for human food consumption, including animals raised to provide non-meat products like milk and eggs. Non-therapeutic uses outlined in the bill are not limited to growth promotion, feed efficiency or weight gain, but also extend to routine disease prevention and any other routine purpose in the absence of clinical signs of disease.

No action was scheduled on the bill as of press time.