Pyrrhic progress: the history of antibiotics in Anglo-American food production
In this book talk, Claas will review central findings of his research on the past 80 years of antibiotic use, resistance, and regulation in food production with introduction by Prof Mark Harrison, Director of Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities.

Mass-introduced after 1945, antibiotics helped revolutionise food production. Farmers and veterinarians used antibiotics to prevent and treat disease, protect plants, preserve food, and promote animals’ growth. Many soon became dependent on routine antibiotic use to sustain and increase production. The resulting growth of antibiotic infrastructures came at a price. Critics blamed antibiotics for leaving dangerous residues in food, enabling bad animal welfare, and selecting for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria, which could no longer be treated with antibiotics.

Pyrrhic Progress analyses over 80 years of evolving non-human antibiotic use on both sides of the Atlantic and introduces readers to the historical and current complexities of antibiotic stewardship in a time of rising AMR.

Pyrrhic Progress can be ordered at the author discount rate at the event or via: www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/pyrrhic-progress/9780813591476

This talk includes a drinks reception and nibbles, all welcome
Date: 11 February 2020, 17:15
Venue: Oxford Martin School, 34 Broad Street OX1 3BD
Venue Details: Corner of Catte and Holywell Streets
Speaker: Dr Claas Kirchhelle (Oxford Martin School)
Organising department: Oxford Martin School
Organiser: Oxford Martin School (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address: events@oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk
Host: Oxford Martin School (University of Oxford)
Part of: Oxford Martin School Events
Topics:
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/events/the-history-of-antibiotics/
Booking email: events@oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk
Cost: Free
Audience: Public
Editor: Hannah Mitchell