Farm Animal Welfare

Antibiotic Resistance and Farm Animal Welfare

Overuse of antibiotics in livestock production drives antimicrobial resistance globally, with consequences for both animal and human health welfare.

Key Facts

Livestock consume over 70% of antibiotics globally in many developing economies
Prophylactic mass medication of healthy animals is the primary driver of resistance
EU regulations banned prophylactic group antibiotic treatment in 2022
Welfare improvements reducing disease incidence decrease antibiotic need
One Health approaches connect human, animal and environmental antibiotic stewardship

Welfare Considerations

Antibiotic stewardship in livestock is a welfare issue at multiple levels. Overuse in poor welfare systems treats the symptoms rather than causes of disease. Improved welfare reduces disease incidence and antibiotic need. Resistance means future animals and humans face untreatable infections - a long-term welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Choose certified products from farms with documented antibiotic reduction programmes
Support One Health advocacy linking animal welfare and antimicrobial resistance
Advocate for welfare improvements in intensive production as an antibiotic stewardship tool