Farm Animals

Agricultural Antibiotic Stewardship and Welfare

Responsible antibiotic stewardship in livestock protects both animal welfare through effective treatment and public health through antimicrobial resistance prevention. The two goals are compatible.

Key Facts

Sick animals should always receive appropriate antibiotic treatment regardless of stewardship concerns
Growth promotion antibiotic use has been banned in the EU since 2006 and in the US since 2017
Metaphylactic treatment of high-risk groups during disease challenge periods is still considered welfare-appropriate
Reducing prophylactic antibiotic use requires investment in housing, nutrition, and biosecurity rather than withdrawal of all antibiotics

Welfare Considerations

Antibiotic stewardship and animal welfare are complementary rather than conflicting goals when properly understood. Animals that are sick need antibiotics and withholding treatment harms welfare. Reducing prophylactic use requires improving the conditions that create disease pressure rather than simply stopping antibiotic use. Good welfare reduces antibiotic dependence, and responsible antibiotic use maintains efficacy for when animals genuinely need treatment.

What You Can Do

Support farms with antibiotic stewardship programs that maintain treatment for sick animals while reducing prophylactic use
Advocate for housing and management improvements that reduce disease incidence and antibiotic dependence
Choose animal products from farms demonstrating responsible antibiotic use alongside good welfare standards
Learn about the relationship between animal welfare, farm management, and antibiotic stewardship to be a more effective advocate