SEAFORD, Del.-- The Federal Drug Administration is limiting the use of antibiotics for farmers. Over the years scientists have worried overuse of antibiotics in livestock feed can result in a drug resistant bacteria that then can infect people.
The FDA announced the new rule Wednesday after trying for more than 35 years to stop farmers and ranchers from feeding antibiotics to cattle, pigs, chickens and other animals simply to help the animals grow larger.
Cattle farmer Carlton Jones of Seaford said the regulation is a step in the right direction. He raises all natural grass fed cattle, making those who eat it healthier.
"It's a good feeling doing things good for people and you know you're doing it to help people and their health," said Jones.
"We've had a lot of people with health problems, like stomach, and they come back they tell us they don't have that problem anymore after they've had our beef."
Exactly how broadly farmers use antibiotics to promote animal growth is unclear, but the FDA estimates 80 percent of antibiotics used on farms are given to animals through feed and 17 percent through water.
The FDA says the regulation will make antibiotics more expensive and mitigate their use. At Jones' farm, he hopes the regulation pushes more farmers to using their method.
"Its' a step in the right direction to possibly make the people of today healthier," said Jones
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