Antibiotic use in US meat production jumped 16% in 2024, report shows

"Antibiotic use in US meat production spiked 16% in 2024, representing the highest increase since the government began tracking data, a new federal report shows. The data covers medically important antibiotics that are also used in humans, including widely used drugs such as the Z-Pak. The shift is raising fears of an increase in antibiotic-resistant superbugs, or pathogens that are difficult to treat because they evolve to become immune to drug treatments."

"Beef and pork antibiotic use dropped to the lowest levels around that time, but have since steadily inched up, until they spiked by about 16% in 2024. Increases in antibiotic use in cattle and pigs are more concerning, advocates say, because they account for nearly 85% of all antibiotics used in US meat production. Many factory farms are scrapping efforts to reduce antibiotics because it saves them money, said Steve Roach, safe and healthy food program director at Food Animal Concerns Trust."

Antibiotic use in U.S. meat production increased 16% in 2024, the largest rise since federal tracking began. The data cover medically important antibiotics also used in humans, including drugs like the Z-Pak. Chicken and turkey antibiotic use jumped nearly 80% and 25%, respectively, though those species remain below 2015 peaks. Beef and pork use, after earlier declines, inched up and then spiked about 16% in 2024. Cattle and pigs account for nearly 85% of antibiotics used in meat production. Many factory farms have abandoned reduction efforts for cost savings and growth promotion, raising concerns about antibiotic-resistant superbugs and other health risks.

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