More antibiotics are fed to livestock in North Carolina than are given to humans in the entire United States, according to a recent study.   Is overuse of antibiotics on the farm making North Carolinians more vulnerable to bacterial infections? That’s the question explored in the new WRAL Documentary: “Overkill?” 

The documentary is hosted by WRAL-TV News anchor Debra Morgan.

Animal agriculture is a nearly $6 billion industry in North Carolina.  Farmers say antibiotics are necessary to keep animals healthy and maintain the productivity needed to meet consumer demand for inexpensive meat.

Researchers say antibiotics are overused in animal agriculture, which contributes to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria, or super bugs, which can infect humans.

Research says the frequency of infections by antibiotic resistant bacteria is on the rise.  One type of antibiotic resistant bacteria is causing staph infections that kill about 18,000 Americans a year.

The WRAL Doc: “Overkill?” will be broadcast statewide on Capitol Broadcasting Company stations:

• WRAL-TV, Raleigh, Thursday, January 26, 7:00pm
• WILM-TV, Wilmington, Saturday, January 28, 12:00pm
• WRAZ-TV, Durham, Saturday, February 25, 2:00pm
• WJZY-TV. Charlotte, Sunday, February 12, 11:00pm
• WMYT-TV, Charlotte, Sunday, February 12, 6:30pm

The documentary will also be available for on-demand viewing anytime after the premiere television broadcast on www.wral.com Search: WRAL doc

See a sneak peek here.

Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Debbie Tullos for this capcom story & graphic.