Antimicrobials have been widely used in livestock since the 1950’s (1). Food animal production has steadily increased over the years, requiring better disease management on farms. More than 75% of antimicrobials in Canada have been used sub-therapeutically in farm animals to prevent disease and for growth promotion (2,3). In Canada, growth hormones are only approved for use in beef cows (4). All antibiotics used in livestock must meet Health Canada’s standards for human and animal safety (4). (more…)