Control usage of antibiotics

WE read with mixed emotions the report “Antibiotics-free meat more expensive, says Vet Dept” (The Star, May 16). We are surprised by the statement on the use of antibiotics in the local poultry industry made by the director-general (DG) of the Department of Veterinary Services. The DG seems more concerned with the price of antibiotics-free meat than the more serious risk posed by the misuse of antibiotics in food animals.

Clearly, the DG is not on the same page with the “anti-antibiotics groups” or he would not have made a public statement urging the public to disregard the claims of these groups. The DG is obviously not fully aware of the public health disaster that the injudicious use of antibiotics poses.