Northern Ireland: opposition against proposed mega pig farm

Farm factories use more and more antibiotics to cure or prevent diseases of their livestock. (Photo © Pixabay)

Due to the potential of spreading antibiotic resistance, a planned mega farm for pork in Northern Ireland has received tough criticism. The Alliance to Save our Antibiotics has warned locals about significant health risks in consequence of spread pathogens such as campylobacter, MRSA and enterococci, if the plans of building the farm near Limavady go ahead. Proposed by farmer Thomas Simpson, the pig farm would produce approximately 60,000 livestock a year. Factory pig farming makes an extensive use of antibiotics. Hence, bacteria resistant to antibiotics can be passed onto humans. By now, the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has received about 3,000 letters refusing the plans and over 8,000 have signed the online petition against the pig farm.