The British Poultry Council has announced an extraordinary 83% reduction in total antibiotic usage since 2012, attributing this success to strategic design principles implemented across the sector.
In its recently released 2025 Antibiotic Stewardship Report, the Council emphasized its ongoing commitment to responsible antibiotic use, which has been a priority for the poultry meat industry since 2011.
Being the first sector to adopt a voluntary strategy for responsible antibiotic use, the poultry industry continues to adhere to government-approved Responsible Use of Medicines (RUMA) species-specific targets.
Key to this ongoing success is open communication and collaboration throughout the industry. Sharing data across the supply chain has led to significant milestones:
- 83.22% reduction in overall antibiotic usage since 2012.
- 99.34% reduction in the consumption of Critically Important Antibiotics since 2012.
Setting New Standards with Zero Preventative Antibiotics
Last year’s statistics were particularly noteworthy. The poultry meat sector has set a target of 25mg/pcu and achieved a remarkable 11.33mg/pcu in this year’s report, a decrease from 13.54mg/pcu in 2023. This represents the second-lowest figure recorded since the program’s inception in 2014, trailing only the all-time low of 9.85mg/pcu recorded in 2017.
This achievement is even more striking when considering that antibiotic use in poultry was measured at 48.75mg/pcu when the initiative began in 2014.
Progress in Turkey and Duck Production
The turkey segment has a RUMA baseline target of 50mg/pcu and recorded 40.02mg/pcu last year. While this is still below the threshold, it marks an increase from 35.36mg/pcu in 2022 and 33.62mg/pcu in 2023. Notably, antibiotic use in turkeys was 219.5mg/pcu back in 2014.
For ducks, antibiotic usage has plummeted to just 0.58mg/pcu, compared to a staggering 15.11mg/pcu in 2014.
The British Poultry Council remains vigilant in monitoring antibiotic levels, ensuring that birds are only treated under strict veterinary supervision when necessary.
Antibiotic Use: A Reflection of Values and Commitments
The issue of antibiotic use transcends mere technical details; it reflects our values, priorities, and dedication to ethical practices. The British Poultry Council emphasizes the importance of active reporting, adopting a pioneering approach that goes beyond mere numerical analysis.
Instead of focusing solely on statistics, the Council uses its report to illustrate how intention fuels outcomes, employing a series of postcards to showcase the design principles underlying the Antibiotic Stewardship initiative. These cards highlight not just the reductions achieved, but also the significance of these actions.
According to British Poultry Council chief executive Richard Griffiths, “Stewardship is about designing for continuous improvement, responsible practice, and long-term contribution. This report encapsulates the guiding principles of our sector, demonstrating how our efforts benefit poultry production and contribute to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance. We take pride in our accomplishments and remain committed to transparency and collaboration.”
