Antibiotic use in livestock affects both animal welfare and public health. Responsible stewardship ensures antibiotics remain effective for treating disease while reducing antimicrobial resistance risks.
The relationship between livestock welfare and antibiotic use is bidirectional. Poor welfare conditions — overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, high stress — increase disease susceptibility and antibiotic need. Conversely, antibiotic overuse reduces effectiveness, meaning future animal populations suffer more from diseases that antibiotics would have previously controlled. Responsible stewardship means using antibiotics only when necessary under veterinary guidance, investing in prevention through vaccination programs and welfare improvements, and monitoring for resistance. Higher welfare production systems consistently demonstrate lower antibiotic use, creating a virtuous cycle where welfare improvements benefit both animals and the long-term public health infrastructure.