How about not using antibiotics unless birds are sick?

While a full ban on preventive antibiotics isn’t the answer at this point, the chicken industry has eliminated the preventive use of Category I and II antibiotics. Chicken Farmers of Canada is now focusing on a non-regulatory approach to further reducing antimicrobial use, with specific attention on reducing the preventive use of Category III antimicrobials. Category IV antibiotics (e.g. ionophores), not used in human medicine, will continue to be used preventatively. The chicken industry is continuing to study all facets of antibiotic use in animal agriculture to ensure that responsible, appropriate and safe use of antibiotics can continue while reduction methods are explored at all levels of the industry, and with stakeholders and government partners. There is no straightforward, easy solution to the antibiotic resistance and use discussion.