Livestock

Animal Welfare and Antibiotic Resistance

Routine antibiotic use in livestock farming is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance, a global public health crisis that is inseparable from animal welfare reform.

Key Facts

Around 70% of all antibiotics globally are used in livestock production
Subtherapeutic antibiotic use for growth promotion is banned in the EU but continues elsewhere
WHO classifies antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 global public health threats
Higher welfare farming systems show significantly lower prophylactic antibiotic use
Reducing factory farming intensity is among the most effective AMR mitigation strategies

Welfare Considerations

The link between animal welfare and antimicrobial resistance is direct: overcrowded, stressed animals in poor environments require antibiotics to survive. Reducing stocking density, improving housing and minimising stress reduces disease and reduces antibiotic need. This means that improving animal welfare is simultaneously one of the most important actions for preventing antimicrobial resistance — the two goals are complementary rather than competing.

What You Can Do

Choose meat and dairy from producers with low or no antibiotic use certification
Advocate for global bans on subtherapeutic antibiotic use in livestock
Support welfare improvements that reduce disease pressure without reliance on antibiotics
Raise awareness that factory farming reform is essential for AMR prevention