Welfare Science

Farm Animal Welfare and Antimicrobial Resistance

The relationship between farm animal welfare conditions and antimicrobial resistance is a critical One Health issue.

Key Facts

Poor welfare conditions increase disease pressure and antibiotic use on farms
Higher welfare systems generally have lower rates of preventive antibiotic use
WHO identifies livestock antibiotic use as a major driver of global AMR
Several European countries have dramatically reduced farm antibiotic use without welfare penalties
Welfare-based farming systems often align with antibiotic stewardship goals

Welfare Considerations

Antimicrobial resistance represents a compound welfare and public health challenge. Overcrowded, stressful farming conditions that compromise animal immunity drive antibiotic dependence. Improving farm animal welfare conditions is therefore not only ethically right but is a strategic element of global AMR reduction - benefiting animals, humans, and future generations.

What You Can Do

Support farms and products certified to high welfare and antibiotic stewardship standards
Advocate for welfare-based approaches to farm antibiotic reduction
Learn about the connection between animal welfare and antimicrobial resistance