Antimicrobial 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.

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)
WHO guidelines on use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals
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)
WHO guidelines on use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals
IARC Press Release. URL: https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr240_E.pdf (2015)
WHO/FAO/OIE One Health resources .