The world could use 29.5% more antibiotics on livestock by 2040 if we don’t make a change as human populations grow. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics are associated with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, a major global health threat.

The world could use 29.5% more antibiotics on livestock by 2040 if we don’t make a change

While the risks of overusing antibiotics are well-known, international researchers say the world might increase its use of antibiotics on livestock by 29.5% over the next 15 years if changes aren’t made. The researchers say increases in demand for animal products as human populations grow means global livestock numbers will likely increase in the coming decades, which could lead to more antibiotics in total being used on this livestock. They modelled various scenarios, and say a ‘business-as-usual’ approach to antibiotic use on farms would lead to a 29% increase in antibiotic use by 2040 as livestock increases. However, the researchers say moderate reductions in antibiotic use intensity and more productive but less numerous livestock could offset this overall increase, and if the world works together to reduce the intensity of antibiotic use by 50% and reduce the requirement for more livestock, it is possible for the industry to help reduce antibiotic use overall.

The misuse and overuse of antibiotics are associated with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, a major global health threat. In response, governments have committed to significantly reducing the quantity of antimicrobials used in the agrifood system by 2030. However, with rising demand for animal-source proteins for human consumption, particularly in regions where livestock biomass is projected to grow due to population increases and rising incomes, it is uncertain how these targets can be met.

People need to stop eating meat.. why can’t we just say “we need to stop eating meat for climate change, no more meat, if you don’t like it tough”