Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Antibiotic Stewardship

Reducing antibiotic use in pig farming while maintaining animal welfare requires a comprehensive approach to disease prevention, early detection, and targeted treatment.

Key Facts

UK pig antibiotic use has declined significantly following industry stewardship initiatives
Antibiotic use reduction without welfare compensation increases untreated disease
Metaphylaxis elimination requires improved early disease detection and individual treatment
Vaccination programmes targeting common pig pathogens reduce antibiotic need
Denmark demonstrated major antibiotic reduction while maintaining low mortality rates

Welfare Considerations

Antibiotic reduction and animal welfare are complementary goals when achieved through improved disease prevention and management rather than simply denying sick animals treatment. Strategic approaches that prevent disease are better for both welfare and antibiotic stewardship than indiscriminate restriction.

What You Can Do

Support antibiotic reduction strategies that invest in disease prevention
Advocate for antibiotic use reporting linked to welfare outcome data
Choose pork from producers demonstrating responsible stewardship with maintained welfare