Antimicrobials are used extensively in swine production to treat clinical disease, promote efficient growth, and prevent subclinical infections. As a result, there is a public health concern that selective pressure is being placed on Salmonella enterica toward drug resistant organisms that could enter the food supply. Debate is still ongoing about the use of antimicrobials in food animals, especially at sub-therapeutic doses, and the rising prevalence of resistant bacteria. We know that the emergence of resistant bacteria does occur in food animals, as in any other species, when antimicrobials are used, but whether agricultural antibiotic use constitutes a substantial public health risk is uncertain.
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