WIRED WRITER STORIFIES SUPERBUGS IN THE FOOD SYSTEM
Image via WIRED Science
WIRED writer Maryn McKenna shared her Twitterchat about an alarming growing problem: Superbugs! Superbugs are defined as “antibiotic-resistant foodborne illnesses arising as a result of agricultural antibiotic use”. This is not an objection to treating sick animals with antibiotics, but an eye opening storify about lower than prescription strength antibiotics contaminating food, water, dirt, fertilizer, etc and leaching into our meals.
How do superbugs effect you? They make previously treatable strands of foodborne illnesses such as E. coli, Campylobacter or Salmonella resistant to treatment and therefore able to wreak super-havoc on their victims. Superbug strains are new, and develop faster than the medical profession can treat or keep track of, making diagnoses difficult and bewildering for patients and doctors alike. Do you have any horror stories of Superbugs? Know of any promising cures? Share your thoughts with WIRED.
