According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – also labelled as the “silent pandemic” – is one of the top ten global threats to public health. In 2019 alone, it caused 1.27 million deaths and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.¹ If no action is taken, it could lead to 10 million deaths annually by 2050.¹ In addition to the public health cost, AMR also has a financial cost – the World Bank estimates that by 2050, it could cost around 3.8% of the global gross domestic product.² The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials (including antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals) in humans, animals and plants are the main drivers of the development of drug-resistant pathogens. Considering that 73% of antimicrobials worldwide are used in farmed animals, predisposing factors for infectious diseases that require antimicrobial treatment in farming need to be addressed.

In intensive farming systems, animals are kept in conditions that subject them to multiple stressors, leading to immunosuppression and a heightened risk of injury, increasing the incidence of infectious diseases that require antimicrobial treatment, in addition to the high number of animals in a confined space facilitating the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Antibiotics are mainly used to treat diseases but are also frequently used to prevent diseases. Some countries still allow the use of antibiotics as growth promoters, contrary to guidance given by international standards.³ Antibiotic residues can also contaminate water and soil, spreading AMR genes to the environment and to other animals and humans. It has been proven that higher animal welfare conditions such as lower stocking density, the use of slower-growing and local breeds and better nutrition management can decrease stress and prevent infections, consequently decreasing the need for antimicrobials.^4–7

Promoting high animal welfare states is an essential part of One Health action to reduce antimicrobial use in agriculture with the aim to protect public health from AMR. To incorporate One Health measures effectively, a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach needs to be implemented. This requires cross-ministerial collaboration and data-sharing, as well as capacity-building at the community level to support sustainable farming practices. Additionally, including civil society and experts in the development of AMR national action plans is essential to leverage all available expertise. Given the growing risks of AMR, bold, coordinated actions are urgently needed to avoid a global health crisis.

In essence, improving animal welfare in farming systems to prevent infections is an effective strategy for limiting antimicrobial use in agriculture. In addition, good animal welfare practices support farmers' livelihoods, the health and well-being of their animals and the viability of food production systems.