Farm Animals

Livestock Antibiotics and Welfare Connection

The link between antibiotic use in livestock and antimicrobial resistance has driven welfare reforms, as good welfare reduces the disease burden requiring antibiotic treatment.

Key Facts

The UK banned routine antibiotic prophylaxis in livestock in 2022
Welfare-compromised animals are more susceptible to disease requiring antibiotics
UK livestock antibiotic use has fallen by 55% since 2014
Critically important antibiotics are now restricted in veterinary use
Farms with poor welfare conditions drive higher antibiotic usage

Welfare Considerations

Good animal welfare and responsible antibiotic use are directly connected: animals in good condition, appropriate environments, and free from chronic stress have stronger immune systems and lower disease burdens. Reducing the need for antibiotics by improving welfare is both a public health and animal welfare priority. Farms that rely on antibiotics to mask welfare problems represent dual failures.

What You Can Do

Choose meat from farms with documented low antibiotic usage
Support supermarket commitments to AMR reduction in supply chains
Advocate for continued progress on antibiotic restriction in farming
Learn about the connection between welfare and antibiotic stewardship
Support research into alternatives to antibiotics for disease prevention in livestock