Antibiotic-resistant infections affect 2 million Americans annually, leading to the death of at least 23,000. Even more die from complications related to the infections, and the numbers are steadily growing. And, according to the Infectious Disease Society of America, MRSA kills more Americans each year than the combined total of emphysema, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, and homicide.

By 2050 antibiotic-resistant disease is expected to claim 10 million lives a year worldwide, unless something is done to stop it. That this ancient potion may be one tool against MRSA is great news, but even better news would be if one of the main causes of MRSA — confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) — were forced to stop using antibiotics in their operations.

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in CAFOs significantly contributes to the development of drug-resistant pathogens, which can then migrate into the human population via a number of exposure routes. One route of exposure is water contaminated with runoff from CAFO manure, which is commonly applied to fields. Solutions include improved infection prevention, more responsible use of antibiotics in human medicine, limiting use of antibiotics in agriculture, and finding innovative approaches to treat infections — and speaking with your pocketbook by refusing to purchase CAFO-raised meats.