Welfare Science

Pig Welfare and One Health - AMR Connections

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pig production links animal welfare, public health and global health security, creating powerful incentives for reducing antibiotic use.

Key Facts

Pigs receive approximately 45% of all veterinary antibiotics used in Europe
Highest-priority critically important antibiotics are now restricted in EU livestock production
Low-stress weaning, better housing and enrichment reduce disease and antibiotic dependency
AMR pathogens from pig production can transfer to humans through food and environment
Netherlands reduced pig antibiotic use by 65% without production losses through welfare-focused management

Welfare Considerations

Improving pig welfare through better housing, nutrition and management directly reduces antibiotic use and AMR risk. Welfare and public health are aligned objectives in pig production.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from farms with documented antibiotic stewardship programmes
Support EU and UK policies restricting agricultural antibiotic use
Advocate for farm welfare standards as part of national AMR action plans