Synopsis

The increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics represents a profound public health crisis, projected to claim 80,000 lives in the UK over the coming two decades. Specialists warn that the application of vital 'last-resort' antibiotics within agriculture is jeopardizing the future efficacy of these life-saving medications. Tom Heap investigates whether the economic imperative to produce inexpensive meat and poultry is accelerating the development of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, and speak