Further declines in antibiotic use in UK poultry meat sector
The British Poultry Council reported an 83% reduction in total use of antibiotics since 2012, saying its fall is underpinned by ‘design principles’.
Releasing its 2025 Antibiotic Stewardship Report, highlighting the sector’s continued leadership in responsible antibiotic use, the British Poultry Council said the safe use of antibiotics has been prioritised by the poultry meat industry since 2011.
The sector was the first to voluntarily develop a strategy for responsible use and it remains under government-approved Responsible Use of Medicines (RUMA) species-specific targets.
Ongoing collaboration and open communication across the sector remain key to success. Sharing data across the supply chain has delivered:
- 83.22% reduction in total antibiotic use since 2012
- 99.34% reduction in the use of Critically Important Antibiotics since 2012
Zero use of preventative antibiotics
Figures for last year were particularly impressive. The poultry meat sector has an industry-wide target of 25mg/pcu and this year’s figures were 11.33mg/pcu, down from 13.54mg/pcu in 2023. The figure is the sector’s second-lowest since the scheme started in 2014. The lowest figure recorded was in 2017 at 9.85mg/pcu.
The reduction is impressive given the amount of antibiotics used in poultry totalled 48.75mg/pcu at the start of the initiative (2014).
Turkey and ducks
The turkey sector has a RUMA baseline target of 50mg/pcu and recorded 40.02mg/pcu last year, within the threshold, but up from 35.36mg/pcu in 2022 and 33.62mg/pcu in 2023. However, the sector has come a long way in the last decade. Figures for 2014 showed antibiotic use at 219.5mg/pcu.
Antibiotics used in ducks have fallen to just 0.58mg/pcu compared to 15.11mg/pcu in 2014.
The BPC continues to monitor antibiotic use levels, only treating birds under strict veterinary direction if required.
Antibiotic use: a test of values, priorities and commitment
Antibiotic use is a technical issue, but it is equally a test of our values, our priorities, and our commitment to doing the right thing. The Council said it aims to ensure its reporting is always active. As a result, it has taken a different approach.
Rather than simply reporting on the numbers, the British Poultry Council have used the report to showcase how intention drives results via a series of postcards.
Just as good stewardship cuts through complexity with clarity, focus, and purpose, each postcard highlights a “design principle” behind the British Poultry Council Antibiotic Stewardship, showing not just what has been reduced, but why it matters.
British Poultry Council chief executive Richard Griffiths: “Stewardship is about designing for continuous improvement, responsible practice, and long-term contribution. This report reflects the principles that guide our sector every day – showing how our work benefits both poultry meat production and the wider fight against antimicrobial resistance. We are proud of what has been achieved and remain committed to transparency and collaboration.”
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