Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and AMR Link

The link between pig welfare and antimicrobial resistance is increasingly recognised. Improving pig welfare reduces antibiotic use and slows resistance development.

Key Facts

Pig farming accounts for a significant share of global antibiotic use
Antibiotic use in pigs under poor welfare conditions is higher than in high-welfare systems
Resistance genes from pig bacteria can transfer to human pathogens
Welfare improvements that reduce disease incidence directly reduce antibiotic dependency
Regulatory action on veterinary antibiotic use is increasing pressure for welfare improvement

Welfare Considerations

The link between pig welfare and AMR creates a powerful co-benefit argument for welfare improvement. Better welfare reduces antibiotic use, slowing resistance development that threatens both human and animal health.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare improvement as an AMR reduction strategy
Advocate for the welfare-AMR link to be recognised in policy frameworks
Learn about the connection between animal welfare and antibiotic resistance
Choose low-antibiotic pork as both a welfare and public health action