Artificial Intelligence helps farms cut antibiotic misuse

He cited a pig farm in China where AI detects coughing among individual animals. Treatment is targeted to affected cages rather than entire pens. Predictive sensors now enable individual health tracking, giving veterinarians the ability to intervene earlier. Continuous monitoring of stress indicators and biological signals helps prevent illness from spreading, further reducing reliance on mass medication.

Welfare at the heart of disease prevention

Dr Goh emphasized that animal welfare should be viewed as a public health strategy. Stress-free animals are less likely to become reservoirs of disease, lowering risks of zoonotic outbreaks. Welfare is no longer just an ethical choice but an ecosystemic requirement to safeguard human societies.

Modern breeding programs often prioritize efficiency, producing animals that grow faster or yield more milk. However, these practices impose physiological burdens. For example, broiler chickens bred for rapid growth sometimes develop bone disorders because their skeletons cannot support their weight. Stress from such conditions contributes to antimicrobial resistance and other health issues. Dr Goh stressed the importance of balance, noting that welfare reduces disease emergence and strengthens resilience.

Global standards shaping local practices

Animal welfare is also becoming an economic issue. Countries are tightening import requirements, making welfare standards trade necessities rather than voluntary guidelines. Malaysia’s Animal Welfare Act 2015 was partly introduced to ensure continued imports from nations with strict welfare expectations, such as Australia.

Dr Goh noted that tariffs and standards can accelerate improvements in countries initially reluctant to adopt welfare measures. He argued that beyond regulation and technology, the challenge requires rethinking human-animal relationships. Sustainable stewardship, where humans care for animals and vice versa, is essential for long-term resilience.

Toward sustainable and resilient farming

AI offers livestock farmers a path away from blanket antibiotic use, aligning with One Health and One Welfare principles. By combining technology, welfare, and trade standards, the livestock sector can move toward sustainable practices that protect animals, humans, and the environment.