National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System
(NARMS) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Antibiotic
Resistance - How does antibiotic use in animals differ
from use in humans?
In humans, antibiotics are usually used to treat sick
individuals but can occasionally be used to prevent
illness. Sick animals are sometimes treated individually,
but often whole flocks or herds of animals are treated
at once, including animals that are not ill. In humans,
antibiotics are sometimes given to healthy persons to
prevent specific infections; this type of use is much
more common in animals. In humans, antibiotics are not
given to promote growth, yet this is a major reason
for using antibiotics in animals.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A
Tel: (404) 639-3311 / Public Inquiries: (404) 639-3534 / (800) 311-3435
