Livestock and Poultry Producers: Protect People and Animals

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Livestock and poultry producers are key in helping to reduce the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Animals, like people, carry germs in their gut, including antimicrobial-resistant germs. Resistant germs have been identified in poultry and livestock (e.g., cattle, swine, sheep, and goat) and the food they produce around the world. Adopt these practices to continue protecting the health of animals and people.

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Work Closely with Your Veterinarian

  • Communicate often with your veterinarian, who will decide when antibiotics and antifungals are needed to treat, control, and/or prevent disease in animals.
  • Ask for advice related to preventing antimicrobial-resistant infections specific to your farm size, animal species, and environment.
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Keep Animals Healthy

  • Follow good husbandry practices and implement biosecurity practices [PDF – 68 pages]—techniques to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases, including cleaning procedures—on the farm, during transport, and in production facilities.
  • Adhere to animal welfare standards including a safe drinking water supply, good nutrition, clean airflow, and avoid overcrowding.
  • Give veterinarian-recommended vaccinations to prevent diseases and separate sick animals right away to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Adopt best practices in waste management and follow manufacturer recommendations to clean equipment.
Print Version
Combat Antibiotic Resistance, Protecting Yourself and Your Family

Download a printable fact sheet [PDF – 1 page]of this webpage.

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Use Antibiotics and Antifungals Exactly as Prescribed

  • Follow your veterinarian’s instructions on the dose (amount), duration (period of time), and route of administration (how to give the treatment to selected animals).
  • Keep a record of all antibiotic and antifungal use, including dates and times, and follow up with your veterinarian about how the treatment is working.
  • Safely dispose of unused or expired antibiotics and antifungals. Find local drug disposal programs. Never pour or flush unused drugs down drains or toilets.
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Protect Yourself and Your Workers

FDA’s Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) are federal rules that limit the use of antibiotics that are important in treating human diseases in food-producing animals. Veterinarians are responsible for overseeing the use of antibiotics.

AMR Exchange Webinar

About This Video

In December 2021, CDC hosted their AMR Exchange webinar focusing on the use of antibiotics in animals—pets and livestock. The panel includes experts from The Ohio State University, National Institute of Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education, and EpiX Analytics.