Reducing antibiotic use in pig production requires a welfare-first approach that addresses root causes of disease rather than simply withdrawing treatment.
Antibiotic reduction must not come at the cost of animal welfare - there is a genuine risk that withdrawal without compensatory improvements in housing, biosecurity, and pain management increases untreated disease. Welfare-positive antibiotic stewardship improves conditions, reduces disease incidence, and maintains treatment for animals that genuinely need it, rather than simply reducing treatment frequency.