Farm Antibiotic Stewardship - Welfare Connections

How antibiotic stewardship in farm animal health connects to animal welfare through disease prevention and treatment access.

Key Facts

UK farm antibiotic use declined 55% between 2014 and 2023 through voluntary industry action and regulation
Group prophylactic treatment of whole herds is being replaced by individual treatment based on welfare assessment
Reduced antibiotic use requires better biosecurity, vaccination, and management to prevent disease - improving baseline welfare
Maintaining access to effective antibiotics for treatment of sick animals is a welfare priority requiring stewardship
Critically important antibiotics are now reserved for human medicine, requiring alternative veterinary treatment options

Welfare Considerations

This topic has significant welfare implications for the animals involved. Evidence-based management approaches and appropriate veterinary care can substantially improve outcomes.

What You Can Do

Consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your situation
Follow evidence-based management protocols
Monitor animals closely and intervene promptly when welfare concerns arise
Stay updated with current research and best practices
Share knowledge with others to improve welfare across the sector