Economic Impact of a Ban on the Use of Over-the-Counter Antibiotics

Dermot J. Hayes, Helen H. Jensen, Lennart Backstrom
December 1999  [99-SR 90]

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Suggested citation:

Hayes, D.J., H.H. Jensen, and L. Backstrom. 1999. "Economic Impact of a Ban on the Use of Over-the-Counter Antibiotics." Staff report 99-SR 90. Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University.


Abstract

Because antibiotic drugs are widely used in starter, grower, finishing, and sow feeds, a ban on their use would impact pork production processes and practices, and therefore would have an economic impact on the U.S. pork industry and pork market. This study considers the economic effects of a ban in pork production, with no change of regulation on other meats. The authors examine the evidence from a range of cases from Sweden to describe what is most likely to occur if a ban on antibiotic drugs in pork production were to be