http://www.grist.org/article/2011-02-25-flies-cockroaches-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-factory-farms
by Tom Philpott from Grist Environmental News, Commentary, Advice, 2/28/11
Summary: In a recent study, it has been shown that farm animals consume four times the amount of antibiotics that humans in America consume. Through this study, it has surfaced that the deadly disease, MRSA, has been seen in factory-farm pigs and the tenders of their farms, nationwide. Also shown in this study, was that over 90% of flies and cockroaches found on factory farms are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. "
Reflection: I personally think that it is disgusting that so many diseases have been found in factory farm animals. However, it is a bit settling to understand that someone is taking the initiative to test them, and hopefully do something in order to better the quality of factory-farming food and animals. I know that I do not eat all organic food. And to think that it could possibly be infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria is rather unsettling and makes me think about my eating habits. I really think that it is important for something to be done to insure the health and sanitation of factory farms because that is the food most people can afford.
Questions:
1) How many flies and cockroaches were infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria?
2) Do you think that it is important for factory farms to have improved quality?
3) How do you think that farmers can improve the health and quality of their farms without causing prices of food and animals to sky rocket?
I agree with Kristin that it is pretty gross to know that so many diseases have been found in factory farm animals. Humans take in a lot of antibiotics and to know that these farm animals take in 4 times as much is kind of insane. Before learning about all the effects of factory farms I always thought that it would be even more healthy to eat the meat that comes from them rather then organic farms. I thought that the antibiotics would help them. However, it has only been worse. And, more people buy food that comes from factory farms because of the price. People are only going to most likely purchase the cheaper buy. So, these farms need to be taken care of soon.
ReplyDelete1. 90% of flies and cockroaches found on factory farms were infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
2. Yes, I think its important because people as well as animals are being affected and a lot of the people don't even know it.
I find this disgusting as well as Amanda and Kristen. The states of cleanliness through out just about all factory farms are repulsive. Then we eat the that is grown and we develop the diseases that have been growing within the farms. The only thing preventing a huge out brake of disease are the great amount of antibiotics that are being feed to the animals which in turn are hurting us just as much. Without the videos and the time we spent on the meat matrix I'm not sure if I would really know or understand the consiquences of what I was doing. As well as knowing how much more healthy and we natured organic food from family farms are. Unfortunately, the world will probably continue eating factory farm products for more expensive family farm food.
ReplyDelete1. 90% was effected
2. yes for the our safety and our own health risks
3. eventhough it would take more energy, but go around to all the animals an only the ones that are sick get the meds
I completely agree with what the Kristin, Tori and Amanda suggested of the horrible state of the farm. I mean people complain about the cleanliness of some reasurants but I'm not quite that they realize where there food comes from. To be completely honest I think the animal's environment are 10 times worse than the actual reasturants. For instance those videos we watch in class depicted a ridiculasly dirty dirty evironment even though they were pretty bias to begin with. However, I still don't think anybody will stop buying the cheaper factory food even dispite the harsh environment.
ReplyDelete1) 90% of the the cockroaches and flies we affected.
2) Yes, for our safety and the safety of the farmers.
sorry this is late, my computer decided not to work.
ReplyDeleteREFLECTION:
I agree with everyone about how the diseases found on factory farms are gross. I think it is a waste using all of these antibiotics on farm animals, when we could give them to people in Africa and other poor countries. Although it is important to keep our animals healthy, i dont think they need as much antibiotics as they are given. It is good that people are actually taking notice of this problem because the food is profitable for most people. like we learned in class, organic food is expensive and takes longer to produce and sell. the factory farms need to clean up their animal pens and cut down on the antibiotics in my opinion.
QUESTIONS:
1) 90% were effected
2) yes because this is the food we eat everyday and it needs to be safe.