Antibiotic Use in Livestock and Animal Welfare

Antibiotic use in livestock affects both animal welfare and public health, with overuse driven by conditions that compromise farm animal health.

Key Facts

Approximately 73% of global antibiotic consumption occurs in food animal production
Antimicrobial resistance threatens both human and animal medicine globally
High stocking densities and poor husbandry increase disease rates and antibiotic dependence
EU banned antibiotic growth promotion in 2006 with significant welfare and AMR benefits
Routine metaphylactic treatment indicates endemic disease problems requiring husbandry solutions

Welfare Considerations

The link between antibiotic use and welfare is bidirectional. Animals in poor welfare conditions suffer higher disease burdens requiring antibiotic treatment. Conversely, restricting antibiotics without improving underlying conditions increases animal suffering. The most ethical approach addresses root causes: reducing stocking density, improving housing and nutrition, and implementing effective vaccination programmes. This simultaneously reduces antibiotic use and improves welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support farms with documented antibiotic reduction programmes alongside welfare improvements
Advocate for linking antibiotic use data to welfare audits
Choose certified products from farms with lower antibiotic use
Support research into alternatives to antibiotics that maintain animal health without resistance