Leon Marchal: The urgent case for antibiotic-free animals

The urgent case for antibiotic-free animals

The UN predicts that antimicrobial resistance will be our biggest killer by 2050. "That should really scare the hell out of all of us," says bioprocess engineer Leon Marchal. He's working on an urgently needed solution: transforming the massive, global animal feed industry. Learn why the overuse of antibiotics in animal products, from livestock feed to everyday pet treats, has skyrocketed worldwide -- and how we can take common-sense measures to stave off a potential epidemic.

Antibiotic resistance is rising at an alarming rate, with the United Nations warning it could become the world’s leading cause of death by 2050. Up to 80 percent of global antibiotics are used in animals, fueling the growth of resistant bacteria that can spread to humans through food and pets. European efforts to cut antibiotic use revealed that better hygiene, nutrition, and microbiome management can keep animals healthy without excessive drugs. Small changes in farming and consumer choices offer a powerful way to protect both human health and animal welfare.