Sharp Rise in Livestock Antibiotic Use Raises Alarms for Human Health
The use of medically important antibiotics in livestock surged in 2024, sparking concern among veterinarians, public health experts, and animal welfare advocates. Medically important antibiotics are those essential for treating infections in people, and overuse in animals can accelerate the development of drug-resistant bacteria, potentially making life-saving medicines less effective in humans.
In the U.S., antibiotic-resistant infections already cause an estimated 2.8 million illnesses and 35,000 deaths annually, and global projections suggest resistance could contribute to 10 million deaths per year by 2050.
Dramatic Increase in Antibiotic Sales
New data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) show that sales of medically important antibiotics for livestock rose 15.8% from 2023 to 2024, jumping from just under 6.13 million kilograms (kg) to nearly 7.10 million kg—a one-million-kg increase.
This follows an already troubling upward trend: antibiotic sales for livestock had grown 10% between 2017 and 2023, meaning sales in 2024 were 28% higher than in 2017. Swine accounted for the largest share at 3 million kg (43% of total sales), closely followed by cattle at 2.9 million kg (41%). Chicken antibiotic sales, though historically lower, skyrocketed in 2024 with a 79% increase from 2023, the largest percentage increase among all animal types.
Experts note that this surge cannot be explained by increased meat production, which grew by less than 1% in 2024. Instead, crowded conditions on factory farms—where animals are densely housed—likely contribute to the heightened use of antibiotics, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth.
Veterinary Oversight and Regulatory Limits
Since 2017, the FDA has banned the use of antibiotics solely for growth promotion in livestock. Farmers must now obtain a veterinary prescription to include antibiotics in feed. However, antibiotics are still widely used to prevent disease in healthy animals, and the FDA does not track exactly how antibiotics are administered on farms.
Strategies to Reduce Antibiotic Use
Research shows that improved farming practices can significantly reduce antibiotic dependence. Denmark, Europe’s second-largest pork producer, has successfully cut antibiotic use by giving pigs more space and improving barn ventilation. In the U.S., similar strategies—such as better ventilation, more pasture access, and lower animal density—could reduce reliance on antibiotics while supporting animal welfare.
For consumers, avoiding meat from heavily treated animals can help support better practices. Labels and certifications to look for include:
Animal Welfare Approved (by AGW)
Certified Humane, especially combined with “grass fed” or “pasture raised”
Global Animal Partnership steps 4, 5, or 5+
USDA Organic, which prohibits antibiotic use
The Environmental Working Group’s Meat and Dairy Label Decoder provides guidance for shoppers seeking products from animals raised with minimal antibiotics.
The Takeaway
Rising antibiotic use in livestock is more than an agricultural issue—it is a One Health challenge, connecting animal husbandry, human health, and environmental stewardship. Veterinary professionals, farmers, and consumers all have a role to play in ensuring antibiotics remain effective for future generations, protecting both animal and human health.
Source: Data from FDA 2024 Summary Report on Antimicrobials Sold or Distributed for Use in Food-Producing Animals; Environmental Working Group (EWG) Meat and Dairy Label Decoder.
