Animal Welfare and Antimicrobial Use in Livestock
Increasing attention on antimicrobial resistance has led to changes in antimicrobial use in livestock. In the U.S., FDA policy changes in 2017 and 2023 have resulted in increased veterinary oversight of medically important antimicrobials in animals. Consumer pressure has led many restaurants, supermarkets, and food producers to enact policies limiting antimicrobial use. By limiting or eliminating the use of antimicrobials in livestock, producers often must make changes to other aspects of the management of their animals to prevent disease. But how do these changes impact animal welfare? What are the drivers of changes in antimicrobial use practices on farm? How can a One Health approach be used to address antimicrobial resistance, while still protecting animal welfare?
Dr. Chelsey Shivley is currently the Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinator in the Office of Interagency Coordination for USDA APHIS Veterinary Services, based in Saco, Maine. Prior to this, Dr. Shivley spent 3 years working on the National Animal Health Monitoring System team, focused on collecting data on antimicrobial use and resistance in animal agriculture. Dr. Shivley served as an AVMA/AAAS Congressional Science Fellow in 2016-2017, working on the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Originally from Michigan, Dr. Shivley completed her undergraduate and veterinary degrees at Michigan State University. She then completed her PhD in Animal Behavior and Welfare at Colorado State University with Dr. Temple Grandin. Dr. Shivley is also board certified in the American College of Animal Welfare.