Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Antibiotic Stewardship and Welfare

Responsible antibiotic use in cattle is essential for maintaining treatment efficacy and preventing resistance while protecting animal welfare.

Key Facts

UK livestock antibiotic use has fallen by over 50% since 2014 through voluntary and regulatory action
Responsible use principles include treating sick animals promptly and avoiding prophylactic use
Metaphylaxis (mass treatment of groups) is still used controversially in BRD management
Vaccination programmes reduce the need for antibiotic treatment in respiratory disease
Welfare and AMR interests align - healthy animals in good conditions need fewer antibiotics

Welfare Considerations

Antibiotic stewardship and animal welfare are complementary goals. Healthy animals in good conditions require fewer antibiotics. Improving welfare reduces antibiotic use, and maintaining antibiotic efficacy protects welfare by preserving treatment options for sick animals.

What You Can Do

Support farm assurance schemes requiring antibiotic use monitoring and reduction plans
Advocate for continued progress on reducing prophylactic antibiotic use in livestock
Choose beef and dairy from farms with documented antibiotic stewardship programmes