Ariana Longley

I thought I was doing everything I possibly could to reduce antimicrobial resistance, personally. I have always only taken antibiotics when absolutely necessary, or when needed, finished the complete prescription. I've stayed current on my vaccinations. And I've helped spread the message as someone who works in healthcare and looked upon as a model in my friend and family groups. All these things I knew from obtaining a graduate degree in the health field. What I had never heard was the major impact the agricultural sector has to antibiotic use and misuse. I attended an event where Dame Sally Davies spoke and learned the devastating statistic that 70% of medically important antibiotics are being used in agriculture (in the US, by total volume every year). I became vegan nearly 3 years ago. One of the main drivers behind my choice to avoid animal products is my commitment to fight the misuse of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance. Because all of us need to be resistance fighters.