Antibiotic Use in Livestock and Animal Welfare

Routine antibiotic use in livestock production masks welfare problems, contributes to antibiotic resistance, and reflects and perpetuates poor living conditions.

Key Facts

Approximately 70% of medically important antibiotics sold in the US go to livestock
Antibiotics are used both to treat disease and to promote growth in crowded conditions
The WHO designates antibiotic resistance as one of the greatest threats to global health
Countries with higher livestock welfare standards use dramatically less antibiotics
Denmark reduced livestock antibiotic use by 50% by improving welfare standards

Welfare Considerations

The pervasive use of antibiotics in intensive livestock production reflects underlying welfare problems. When animals are kept in conditions so crowded and stressful that routine antibiotic use is required to prevent mass disease, those conditions represent a welfare failure. Antibiotic use masks the symptoms of poor welfare while creating the public health crisis of antibiotic resistance. Higher welfare systems with lower stocking densities and better management require far fewer antibiotics, demonstrating that welfare improvement and public health protection are aligned goals.

What You Can Do

Choose antibiotic-free or higher welfare certified animal products when possible
Support organizations advocating for reduced antibiotic use in livestock
Advocate for regulations restricting routine preventive antibiotic use in farming
Reduce consumption of factory-farmed animal products
Support political candidates who prioritize antibiotic resistance policy