The overuse of antibiotics in livestock production is driven partly by poor welfare conditions, creating a feedback loop between animal suffering, infection, and antimicrobial resistance.
The connection between poor animal welfare and antibiotic overuse reveals that welfare and public health interests are aligned, not competing. Overcrowding, stress, and inadequate veterinary care create conditions where animals become sick more frequently, requiring antibiotic treatment. Improving welfare by reducing stocking densities, improving housing, and providing better veterinary oversight simultaneously reduces suffering and antibiotic use. This virtuous cycle has been demonstrated empirically in Denmark and other countries that have reformed their livestock production systems. Welfare improvements are among the most effective tools available for addressing antimicrobial resistance.