HIGH STEAKS: Quantifying the Effects of a User Fee on Antibiotic Use in Livestock and Identifying Policy Implications

Abstract

As bacterial resistance to antibiotics rises and poses a threat to human health, efforts to reduce the exorbitant use of antibiotics in livestock are increasingly important. Antibiotic use in livestock has a direct impact on human health. This study used data on retail prices of veterinary antibiotics and trade data to estimate the potential global reduction in use and revenue generated from a tax fee. Calculations estimated large reduction in use with significant revenues generated that could fund research and development of newer, better antibiotics.