Farm Animals

Livestock Antibiotic Stewardship

Antibiotic use in livestock farming is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance, with important implications for both animal and human health.

Key Facts

Global livestock consume around 70% of all antibiotics used worldwide
Routine preventive use of antibiotics masks poor welfare and housing conditions
The UK has reduced livestock antibiotic use by 55% since 2014 through voluntary action
Antibiotic resistance threatens the future effectiveness of treatments for both humans and animals
Improving animal welfare and reducing disease pressure is the most sustainable path to stewardship

Welfare Considerations

Antibiotic dependency in livestock reflects welfare failures that allow disease to flourish. Improved welfare standards reduce the need for antibiotics while protecting the effectiveness of treatments essential to both human and animal medicine.

What You Can Do

Choose meat from farms committed to responsible antibiotic use
Advocate for a ban on routine preventive antibiotic use in livestock farming
Engage with the One Health connection between animal welfare and antibiotic resistance
Support retailer commitments to antibiotic stewardship in supply chains
Learn about AMR and its implications for both human and animal medicine