Overuse of antibiotics in livestock farming drives antimicrobial resistance with implications for both human and animal health, and reducing use requires improved animal welfare and husbandry.
Appropriate antibiotic use is essential for treating animal pain and infection. Restrictions that reduce prophylactic use may lead to increased suffering if husbandry improvements do not accompany them. Conversely, overuse disguises poor welfare conditions rather than addressing underlying causes. Genuine stewardship requires improving welfare so antibiotics are needed less, not simply withholding treatment.