A survey of agricultural advisers in 32 countries showed that many of them are prescribing human antibiotics streptomycin and tetracycline for controlling insect infestations and bacterial and fungal diseases, according to a study.
The human antibiotics are most commonly used for rice crops to control bacterial diseases as well as insects.
The researchers said farmers use human antibiotics as a “general tonic” and the incidence of usage as “alarmingly high” and maybe “more extensive than most of the literature would suggest.” There are growing concerns the improper use of antibiotics could create resistance in the environment.
Read the full study at CABI Agriculture and Bioscience
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