Antibiotic-resistant bacteria from livestock pose a deadly risk to people. But the farm lobby won’t let scientists track the danger. Antibiotics are used more heavily in farm animals than in people. This may be the largest source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Drug-resistance genes spread more widely and rapidly on farms than scientists ever thought, new discoveries show. Melinda Wenner Moyer visited three farms, found how food companies compel farmers to keep scientists away, and unearthed documents showing the breadth of agriculture industry influence in Congress and over farmers.
