Continued drop in UK poultry meat antibiotic use

The UK poultry meat sector has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to responsible antibiotic use, with the British Poultry Council (BPC) reporting an 83.22% reduction in total antibiotic usage since 2012.

David Corredor

The UK poultry meat sector has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to responsible antibiotic use, with the British Poultry Council (BPC) reporting an 83.22% reduction in total antibiotic usage since 2012. This progress, detailed in the 2025 Antibiotic Stewardship Report, underscores the industry’s dedication to animal welfare, transparency, and the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.

One of the most notable achievements is the 99.34% reduction in the use of Critically Important Antibiotics (CIAs), which are vital for human medicine. The report also confirms the continued absence of preventative antibiotic treatments, meaning antibiotics are administered only under veterinary supervision when absolutely necessary.

• The UK poultry industry was the first to voluntarily adopt a responsible-use strategy in 2011.
• Since then, it has consistently met and exceeded the government’s RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture) targets.
• For example, chicken production currently averages 11.33 mg/pcu of antibiotic use, well below the RUMA target of 25 mg/pcu.
• Turkey production stands at 40 mg/pcu, also under the 50 mg/pcu target, while ducks—though not subject to an official target—show a downward trend at just 0.58 mg/pcu.

This year’s report takes a creative turn by presenting its findings as a series of “postcards,” each illustrating a guiding principle behind the sector’s stewardship approach. These design principles emphasize continuous improvement, collaboration, and responsible practice. According to BPC Chief Executive Richard Griffiths, the format reflects not only the scale of reduction but also the values driving it: “Stewardship is about designing for long-term contribution and responsible practice. Our work benefits both poultry meat production and the wider fight against antimicrobial resistance”.

• The success of the UK poultry sector’s antibiotic reduction strategy is attributed to coordinated efforts across the supply chain, including data sharing, open communication, and strict veterinary oversight.
• These measures ensure that animal welfare is maintained while minimizing the risk of antibiotic resistance.

As global concerns over antimicrobial resistance continue to grow, the UK poultry industry’s achievements serve as a model for sustainable and ethical food production. The BPC’s commitment to transparency and collaboration reinforces its leadership in responsible antibiotic stewardship.