Resistance, A Film by Michael Graziano

On 7 October 2014, Slow Food Corvallis screened the film “Resistance” in collaboration with the Food in Culture & Social Justice Program and the Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems at Oregon State University. This documentary examines the causes and effects of rising numbers of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria responsible for infections that are untreatable with currently available antibiotics. Widespread use of sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics in animal feeds for large-scale livestock and poultry production is considered a major factor contributing to antibiotic resistance. While antibiotics in feeds enable animals to grow faster and produce more meat, they carry long-term costs that are not reflected in the price the consumer pays.

Over 70 people attended the screening. A post-film discussion facilitated by Dr. Lauren Gwin of the Center for Small Farms involved the audience and a panel of local experts in a lively discussion. Panel members included Michael Graziano, Director of Resistance, Dr. Dan Rockey (OSU Veterinary Medicine), Dr. Claudia Ingham (OSU Animal Science Department), and Dr. William Muth, MD (Samaritan Health Services).