Superbugs

Superbugs

In order to maintain a relatively normal standard of living during a world-wide population increase, agriculture needs to be efficient and consistent in its production. Despite their harmful and oftentimes irreversible side effects, farmers continue to use massive amounts of pesticides. Pesticides increase quantity and quality of crop yields, allowing prices to remain stable; however, the targeted pest develops resistance, becoming stronger and unaffected by the pesticide. For several years, scientists have been warning that modern agricultural practices are fueling the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a threat not only to livestock, but the human race. The newly developed superbug has been linked to a strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, which can produce fatal infections that don't respond to standard antibiotic treatment. Many scientists are growing concerned as the superbug's effects spread from livestock to the human race, a transference previously believed to be improbable.
Though many scientists, such as Rachel Carson, have raised awareness of pesticides deadly effects, its use continues to be widespread. If pesticide use continues, farmers not only pose a threat to the future health of the environment, but a threat to the human race. In recent years, government regulation of pesticides has increased substantially.Before any company can sell or distribute any pesticide in the United States of America, EPA must review studies on the pesticide to determine that it will not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. While maintaining a stable level of agricultural production is important to the global economy and physical well-being, pesticides are not the only way to accomplish this sought-after stability. Crop rotations, pheromones, pest sterilization- all methods with results similar to that of pesticides. Farmers tend to shy away from these methods because of the increased cost of...