The responsible use of antibiotics is a key element of corporate responsibility for any company with farm animals in its supply chain.

The overuse of antibiotics in human medicine is partly responsible for the increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria. However, farm animal use contributes significantly, and for some infections it is the main source of resistance.

An effective Antibiotic Stewardship Programme (ASP) is required to protect animal health and welfare today and maintain the efficacy of our antibiotics into the future.

Many companies are already addressing this by putting policies in place for regulating and reducing the prophylactic use of antibiotics. If you are interested in doing the same, Compassion has published new guidance on how to develop an effective Antibiotic Stewardship Programme (ASP).

An effective ASP provides a clear strategy for achieving the responsible use of antibiotics in your supply chain, helping you as a company take control of the process and ensure its effective implementation, to:

reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics
eliminate/robustly regulate the use of human critical antibiotics
help prevent the development of antibiotic resistance

Implementing an effective Antibiotic Stewardship Programme (ASP) can bring many benefits: better animal health and welfare, closer relationships with your supply chain, and a positive story to tell to customers.

Find out more about our other animal welfare resources here.

Compassion’s launches guidance on Responsible Antibiotic Use