Welfare Science

Farmed Pig Welfare and Public Health

The connections between farm animal welfare, antimicrobial resistance, and public health outcomes.

Key Facts

Antimicrobial use in intensive pig production contributes to AMR development in human pathogens
High welfare pig systems typically use less antibiotics than intensive systems
AMR from livestock is estimated to cause tens of thousands of human deaths annually
Welfare improvements that reduce disease reduce antibiotic dependence as a co-benefit
One Health frameworks recognize the interconnection of animal, human, and environmental health

Welfare Considerations

Pig welfare and public health are interconnected through antimicrobial resistance. Intensive systems that cause poor welfare also drive antibiotic use that contributes to human mortality from AMR. Improving pig welfare through better housing and management delivers both animal and human health benefits.

What You Can Do

Advocate for antibiotic reduction in pig farming as both a welfare and public health priority
Support One Health policy frameworks that link animal welfare to human health outcomes
Choose pork from farms with low antibiotic use as both a welfare and health choice