Frequently Asked Question
Public HealthAntimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Last reviewed: January 9, 2026
Summary
Antibiotic use in food animals is widely recognized as a contributor to antimicrobial resistance, which threatens human health. Global analyses document large veterinary antimicrobial use, and health organizations recommend reducing non-therapeutic use.
Supported by 4 cited sources
Evidence Summary
- Selection pressure in animals can produce resistant bacteria/genes that spread to humans and environments. Evidence quality: High Limitations / nuance: Pathways vary by setting; reductions require policy and husbandry changes. Bottom line: Reducing routine antibiotic use in livestock is a mainstream public health priority.
Supporting Evidence
Sources:
- Tiseo K, et al.. Global trends in antimicrobial use in food animals. (2020)
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO guidelines on use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals (2017)
- WHO/FAO/OIE One Health resources .
- IARC Press Release. URL: https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr240_E.pdf (2015)
Sources:
- Tiseo K, et al.. Global trends in antimicrobial use in food animals. (2020)
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO guidelines on use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals (2017)
- IARC Press Release. URL: https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr240_E.pdf (2015)
- WHO/FAO/OIE One Health resources .
Sources & Evidence
4 sources cited across 2 claims
1
Livestock antibiotics contribute to AMR
Systematic ReviewWHO guidelines on use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals — World Health Organization (WHO) (2017)View source ↗
URL: https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr240_E.pdf — IARC Press Release (2015)View source ↗
2
WHO recommends reducing livestock antibiotics
GuidelineWHO guidelines on use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals — World Health Organization (WHO) (2017)View source ↗
URL: https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr240_E.pdf — IARC Press Release (2015)View source ↗