Farm Antibiotics myth buster

Past, Present and future

Misinformation about antibiotics on farms leads to poor decisions by producers, consumers and policymakers. Clearing up common myths helps farmers and the public adopt practical measures biosecurity, vaccination, targeted treatment and transparent stewardship that reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and slow antimicrobial resistance.

Antibiotics on farms are harmless

Antibiotic use in animals can select for resistant bacteria and genes that spread to humans through food, water, direct contact and the environment. Because many antibiotics used in animals are identical or closely related to human medicines, misuse in any sector increases the global pool of resistance that threatens human health.

Discover more

Most antibiotic use is for growth promotion only

While growth promotion contributed historically to high on-farm use, many countries have banned or restricted antibiotic growth promoters and use is now a mix of therapeutic, prophylactic/metaphylactic and, in parts of the world, still some routine preventive practices.

“If we stop antibiotics, animal health and productivity will collapse”

Evidence from countries with strong stewardship (e.g., Netherlands, Denmark, Norway) shows large reductions in antibiotic use can be achieved while maintaining or improving productivity — provided investments are made in vaccination, management, biosecurity and veterinary support.