Livestock Antibiotic Resistance and Welfare

Antibiotic overuse in livestock contributes to antimicrobial resistance threatening both human and animal welfare. Understanding this connection helps drive policy and consumer change.

Key Facts

Over 70% of globally produced antibiotics are used in livestock production
UK farm antibiotic use has fallen 55% since 2014 following the O'Neill Review recommendations
Prophylactic group antibiotic use in intensive pig and poultry farming is the primary driver of resistance
Animals treated with antibiotics have altered gut microbiomes affecting health and behaviour
AMR is projected to cause 10 million human deaths annually by 2050 if unaddressed

Welfare Considerations

Antimicrobial resistance is a welfare issue for both animals and humans. Farm animals that develop antibiotic-resistant infections experience prolonged suffering from untreatable disease. Future livestock that cannot be effectively treated for bacterial infections face entirely preventable welfare deterioration. The link between antibiotic overuse and resistance development makes high-welfare farming - which reduces infection pressure through good housing, nutrition and management, reducing antibiotic dependence - an antibiotic stewardship strategy as well as a welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose pork and poultry products certified under antibiotic stewardship schemes
Support government policies restricting prophylactic antibiotic use in livestock
Engage with RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture) guidelines and advocacy
Discuss antibiotic prescribing appropriateness with your vet for companion animals
Support research into vaccination and alternatives to antibiotics in livestock disease prevention