A report by World Animal Protection highlights the connection between farmed animal welfare and the overuse of antibiotics, addressing growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance. The authors emphasize that improving the conditions of farmed animals could significantly reduce the need for these drugs. This report reviews scientific literature and government data to examine the links between animal welfare practices and antimicrobial use in dairy cows, beef cows, pigs, and farmed bird production in Canada.

Routine use of antibiotics is common in intensive farmed animal operations to prevent disease in crowded, stressful conditions. This practice contributes to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a growing public health concern. The report notes that in 2018, Canada distributed the sixth-highest quantity of antimicrobials intended for use in animals compared to data from 31 European countries. 

Antibiotic use to prevent udder inflammation accounts for about half of antibiotic use in dairy farming. The most common antibiotics used are cloxacillin, penicillin-aminoglycosides, and cephapirin products, all considered Category I and II (Very High and High Importance) antibiotics for humans Improving practices like gradual dry-off periods (reduction in milking frequency), using teat sealants, and providing sand bedding could reduce reliance on antibiotics in dairy farming. 

For beef cows, practices like abrupt weaning and mixing unfamiliar animals at feedlots increase the risk of disease. The report notes that weaning stress on calves causes them to lose weight and is an important contributor to the number of calves that get sick after weaning. Two-step weaning and improved pre-conditioning of calves before transport could lower antibiotic needs. Preconditioning calves involves practices such as extended weaning times, training to eat from a feed bunk, and administration of vaccinations before transport to feedlots.

In pig farming, early weaning and large litter sizes compromise piglets’ immune systems. Delaying weaning to at least 28 days and breeding for smaller litters could improve health and reduce antimicrobial use. The report states that in Canada, the average age at weaning in 2020 was 21 days, which is considered early and linked to higher antibiotic use. From 1993 to 2020, litter sizes have grown 36% — about three piglets per litter — leading to more vulnerable piglets.

For broiler chickens, high stocking densities and fast-growing breeds are linked to higher antibiotic use. The report cites data from the Netherlands showing that slower-growing broilers receive less than one-third the daily dose of antibiotics than conventional broiler chickens do.

While Canada has taken steps to address antimicrobial resistance, such as requiring veterinary prescriptions for medically important antimicrobials since 2018, preventative use is still permitted. The authors argue that this allows continued overuse in many farming operations. They also point out that Canada hasn’t yet taken steps to comprehensively track antibiotic sales and use by veterinarians, pharmacies, or farms.

The report offers several recommendations to reduce antibiotic use through improved animal welfare. Dairy farms could adopt selective dry cow therapy instead of blanket antibiotic treatment. This could decrease antimicrobial use by 66% when combined with the use of internal teat sealants. For cows farmed for beef, the authors suggest extending weaning periods and reducing the mixing of unfamiliar animals. They suggest a two-step weaning process and postponing transport to feedlots until calves are older. They recommend delaying weaning in pig farming as well. Providing environmental enrichment with straw for rooting/nesting and novel play/food objects could fulfill some behavioral needs and mitigate biting and aggression in pigs. For farmed birds, the authors also recommend using slower-growing breeds and reducing stocking densities.

Additionally, the report calls for improved government oversight and mandatory tracking of antibiotic use at the farm level. The authors suggest adopting policies similar to those in the E.U., such as tracking antimicrobial sales and use by veterinarians, pharmacies, farmers, and feed mills. They emphasize the need for policy changes and financial support to help farmers transition to higher-welfare practices that support reduced antimicrobial use. The report concludes that addressing the root causes driving antibiotic use in factory farming is necessary to effectively combat antimicrobial resistance. It calls for a shift away from intensive farming practices that rely on routine antibiotic use toward systems prioritizing animal health and welfare. 

For animal advocates, these findings provide compelling evidence that improving farm animal welfare can have far-reaching positive effects. By promoting higher-welfare farming practices, advocates can simultaneously work towards better conditions for farm animals and contribute to addressing the critical public health threat of antimicrobial resistance. This report offers valuable ammunition for campaigns aimed at reforming industrial animal agriculture, demonstrating that animal welfare and human health are closely connected in the fight against antibiotic overuse.