Antibiotic use in cattle farming affects both animal welfare and public health through antimicrobial resistance. Stewardship programs balance treatment efficacy with resistance prevention.
Antibiotic stewardship in cattle intersects animal welfare and human health in complex ways. Antibiotics appropriately used treat bacterial infections that cause suffering, making them essential welfare tools. Overuse and inappropriate use contribute to resistance that will eventually compromise treatment of both animal and human infections. From an animal welfare perspective, the development of antibiotic resistance threatens the effectiveness of future treatments. Preventive approaches that reduce disease incidence through vaccination and management serve both welfare and stewardship goals simultaneously.