Pig AMR Antibiotic Resistance Welfare Link

Antimicrobial resistance threatens to eliminate treatment options for pig diseases, creating severe future welfare consequences.

Key Facts

Multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria including MRSA are found in pig farms and can affect humans
Livestock antibiotic use is a significant contributor to global AMR development
Welfare and AMR interests align because healthy pigs in good conditions need fewer antibiotics
Reducing preventive antibiotic use while maintaining welfare requires investment in management and vaccines
Collaborative welfare and AMR reduction programmes have shown that both goals can be achieved simultaneously

Welfare Considerations

AMR represents a long-term welfare threat by potentially eliminating effective treatment options for pig diseases. Preventing resistance development through stewardship is therefore a welfare investment in future treatment capacity.

What You Can Do

Support integrated welfare and antibiotic stewardship programmes in pig farming
Advocate for investment in vaccination and management alternatives to antibiotic prophylaxis
Engage with public health organisations communicating the link between livestock welfare and AMR