A new generation of incurable bacterial diseases is spreading.

Recent threats of bioterrorism have highlighted how important it is that we safeguard the effectiveness of America's antibiotics supply. Help us slow the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and extend the usefulness of antibiotics. Send a letter to Helge H. Wehmeier, the President and CEO of Bayer Corporation asking him to comply with the proposed FDA ban on Baytril(R).

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Don't Let Bayer "Play Chicken" With Our Health!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am very concerned that Bayer has refused to comply with a proposed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban on the use of Bayer's antibiotic, Baytril(R), in treating chickens and turkeys.

Baytril(R) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Fluoroquinolones are considered one of the most valuable classes of antibiotic drugs available to physicians because of their effectiveness against a broad range of disease-causing bacteria and relative lack of side effects. They are the antibiotics most often used to treat severe cases of food poisoning caused by bacteria.

The FDA determined that using Baytril(R) in poultry farming contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria that infect humans. Bayer's decision to put profits over public health is putting us all at risk.

In the interest of public health, the Bayer Corporation should immediately withdraw Baytril(R) from the market and drop its appeal of the proposed FDA ban on its use in poultry.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
October 31, 2001


Background Information

Recent threats of bioterrorism have highlighted how important it is that we safeguard the effectiveness of America's antibiotics supply.

For the past 60 years, the use of antibiotic drugs has turned bacterial infections into treatable conditions, rather than the life-threatening scourges they once were. But today, many antibiotics are no longer working against bacterial infections they once cured easily. Health officials in the United States have determined that the unnecessary overuse of antibiotics is resulting in the spread of diseases that are harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat.

The Bayer Corporation, widely known for manufacturing Cipro (R) and Bayer Aspirin, is putting everyone's health at risk. Bayer has refused to comply with a proposed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban on the use of Bayer's antibiotic, Baytril(R), in treating sick poultry. The FDA has determined that using Baytril(R) in poultry farming contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria that infect humans.

The American Medical Association and other health groups have called on Bayer to comply with the proposed FDA ban, but to date Bayer hasn't complied. Instead, it continues to sell Baytril(R) to poultry farmers, further promoting the spread of resistant bacteria.

Don't let Bayer "play chicken" with our health! Help us slow the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and extend the usefulness of antibiotics by sending a letter to Helge H. Wehmeier, President and CEO of Bayer Corporation, telling him to comply with the proposed Baytril(R) ban. Click here to take action:

http://www.BayerWatch.com