Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Antibiotic Stewardship Progress

Reducing antibiotic use in cattle farming protects both animal welfare and public health through coordinated stewardship programs.

Key Facts

UK cattle antibiotic use fell by over 50% between 2014 and 2023
Mass medication of groups is being replaced by targeted treatment of individual sick animals
Vaccination programs reduce the need for antibiotic treatment by preventing infections
Critically important antibiotics are being reserved for human medicine in many countries
Welfare-focused antimicrobial stewardship maintains animal health while reducing resistance risk

Welfare Considerations

Antibiotic stewardship in cattle requires investing in prevention - through vaccination, housing improvement, and good husbandry - rather than relying on treatment. This approach benefits both animal welfare and the long-term effectiveness of medicines that save human and animal lives.

What You Can Do

Support farms implementing antibiotic reduction programs with veterinary oversight
Choose beef and dairy from suppliers with antibiotic stewardship certifications
Advocate for binding antibiotic reduction targets across the livestock sector