Projected Rise in Antibiotic Use in Livestock Highlights Global Health Concerns
Global, Wednesday, 2 April 2025.
Without intervention, antibiotic use in livestock could rise by nearly 30% by 2040, exacerbating antibiotic resistance and posing significant public health risks, according to FAO research.
Current Global Projections
Recent research from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reveals that global antibiotic use in livestock could reach approximately 143,481 tons by 2040, marking a significant 29.5 percent increase from the 2019 baseline of 110,777 tons [1][2]. This projection comes at a critical time when 47 countries have already pledged to decrease antimicrobial use by 30-50% by 2030, as outlined in the Muscat Manifesto [2].
Regional Distribution and Impact
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to remain the dominant contributor, projected to account for approximately 64.6% of global antimicrobial usage by 2040, with an estimated 92,687 tons [2]. South America follows as the second-largest consumer, anticipated to contribute about 19% of global usage with 27,197 tons [2]. This regional disparity highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions in high-consumption areas.
European Success Stories and Solutions
Several European countries have demonstrated that reduction is possible while maintaining agricultural productivity. Between 2010 and 2022, significant decreases in livestock antibiotic use were achieved: the Netherlands reduced usage by 76%, France by 75%, and Italy by 70% [4]. These reductions were accomplished through stricter regulations, targeted taxes on antibiotics, and alternative methods such as improved vaccination programs [4].
Path to Reduction
The FAO’s RENOFARM initiative offers hope for significant reductions, with strategic productivity improvements potentially decreasing antibiotic use by up to 57%, lowering it to approximately 62,000 tons by 2040 [3]. According to Alejandro Acosta, Livestock Economist at FAO, ‘Enhancing livestock production efficiency is key to curbing antibiotic use’ [3]. Success requires a coordinated approach focusing on disease prevention and sustainable practices across the global livestock sector.