Livestock Industry Thwarts Attempts to Source Data

Matt Richtel of the NYTimes has been doing an excellent job describing the attempts to conceal information about drug-resistant bacteria in the healthcare and food industries. His latest article describes how difficult it is to do data analysis when an industry mobilizes to prevent analysts, scientists and researchers from getting the data they need.

The Washington State epidemiologist, Dr. Scott Lindquist, wanted to conduct “on-farm investigations (that) will help us better understand the ecology of salmonella” and “prevent future human illnesses.” The response from the National Pork Producers Council was “What would you learn that could positively impact public health?”

My favorite quote: From Dr. James Johnson, a professor at the University in Minnesota and an expert in resistant infections. “The people who stand to benefit from having everyone remain ignorant are the ones who protest the loudest.” Yes, we've all been on those conference calls.

Read the article here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/04/health/pork-antibiotic-resistance-salmonella.html