STAT+: EPA rule that could help citrus growers is challenged over concerns about antibiotic resistance
Amid rising concern over antibiotic resistance, a coalition of advocacy groups has filed a lawsuit to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from letting citrus farmers spray streptomycin in hopes of preventing or treating diseases that harm their trees.
The move comes after the EPA significantly expanded use of the medically important antibiotic on citrus trees in California, Texas, and other states where citrus is grown. However, the groups argue this will contribute to antibiotic resistance by causing germs to mutate and eventually harm countless people. And they allege the EPA failed to ensure that the spraying will not harm human health.
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