We’re proud to announce the publication of our report from the transdisciplinary forum “Tackling the tail end of antibiotic use in pigs,” held at the University of Leeds National Pig Centre on 24 April 2025.
The UK pig sector stands as a global exemplar of responsible antimicrobial stewardship, having achieved an outstanding 70% reduction in antibiotic use between 2015 and 2022. This achievement reflects the dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit of producers, veterinarians, researchers and industry partners working together toward a common goal.
The forum brought together over 50 stakeholders to address ongoing challenges in antimicrobial stewardship and identified opportunities for further enhancement:
Key Findings and Insights
While the UK pig sector has achieved remarkable progress in reducing antibiotic use by 74% between 2015 and 2022, recent trends show some increases, and the workshop participants identified areas for continued improvement:
- Infrastructure support with accessible grant programmes for pig farm improvements
- Enhanced diagnostics with the goal of improving laboratory access and develop rapid testing capabilities
- Workforce training, like the creation of online platforms and communities of practice for skill development
- Biosecurity enhancement with structured monitoring and certification systems
- Targeted support for persistently high user farms through tailored interventions
A Balanced Approach Forward
Forum participants emphasized the importance of a balanced approach summarised as “as little as possible, as much as necessary” to maintain animal welfare while continuing to optimise antibiotic use. This principle acknowledges that responsible antimicrobial stewardship must prioritise both animal health and resistance prevention.
Looking Ahead
This report represents a crucial step in AMAST’s mission to support the efforts of optimising antimicrobial use across agrifood systems. The insights gathered will inform targeted research priorities and guide collaborative strategies for sustainable pig production.
The transdisciplinary approach demonstrated at this forum – bringing together diverse expertise from across the sector – provides a model for addressing complex challenges that require both technical solutions and cultural change.
Access the Full Report
The complete report, including detailed appendices with producer and prescriber perspectives, is now available online. We encourage all stakeholders in the pig sector to engage with these findings and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about responsible antimicrobial stewardship.
Citation: The AMAST Network, a UKRI Network (2025). Tackling the tail end of antibiotic use in pigs: a transdisciplinary forum. Report. Zenodo. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.17183422