Source: Mike Apley, 785-532-4167, mapley@vet.k-state.edu
Web sites: http://www.icuacp.beefcattleinstitute.org/ and
http://www.beefcattleinstitute.org
News release prepared by: Wrenn Pacheco, 785-532-4844, wpacheco@vet.k-state.edu

Monday, Jan. 26, 2009

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE MAY 27-29 AT K-STATE ON THE USE OF ANTIMICROBIALS IN CATTLE PRODUCTION

MANHATTAN -- The use of antimicrobials, which includes antibiotics, in cattle production -- as for all food animals -- is an issue that is put before producers and consumers on a daily basis, according to Dr. Mike Apley, a Kansas State University veterinarian and clinical pharmacologist whose work focuses on this area.

Apley is part of a team at K-State's Beef Cattle Institute that is organizing the International Conference on the Use of Antimicrobials in Cattle Production, set for May 27-29 at the K-State Student Union.

"The conference is designed to educate consumers, producers and veterinarians about the use of antimicrobials in cattle production," Apley said. "We tend to hear about this issue through sound bites with varying levels of accuracy, so we put together a conference where anyone can become more advanced in their ability to understand and interpret information on the subject."

The conference will begin with the basic scientific principles related to approving antimicrobials and evaluating their effects. Multiple presenters will provide data and their interpretation of what these data reveal about the effects of antimicrobial use in cattle. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to and participate in discussions between scientists at the forefront of antimicrobial issues in food animals, Apley said.

A wide range of speakers also will address the topic of antimicrobials and their uses in cattle production. Invited speakers include veterinarians, published professors from several universities, industry leaders and international experts on the issue.

"These researchers and veterinarians from around the globe will discuss current scientific findings and future research needs for antimicrobial use in cattle production," Apley said.

"We especially invite consumers, legislative members and their staff, members of the media, and producers to come to the conference," he said. "This meeting is designed to put scientific principles and findings in the hands of the public."

More information on the conference is available at http://www.icuacp.beefcattleinstitute.org