N.Y. congresswoman introduces Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act

WASHINGTON — A lawmaker from New York has introduced legislation designed to combat the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Keep Antibiotics Working, a Chicago-based organization, praised the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act, introduced by Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y.

The law is designed to prevent antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” from contaminating the country’s food supply, in part due to overuse of antibiotics by livestock farmers. The law only covers antibiotics used in humans and animals, but it does not affect the ability of veterinarians to use drugs to treat sick animals.