Antibiotics are substances that inhibit the growth of or kill bacteria and are used for preventing, treating and managing disease to ensure good health in humans and animals.

More than 40 years ago, government regulatory authorities first approved the use of antibiotics in animals. Since then, antibiotics have been used safely for livestock and poultry production.

Intestinal infections can be a common disease of poultry. The use of in-feed antibiotics reduces the incidence of these intestinal infections and ensures that optimal animal health and therefore welfare is maintained.

Antibiotics are important health management tools allowing farmers to raise healthy animals. While the potential for resistance to develop has been identified in recent years, the correct selection and prudent use of the right antibiotic minimises the risk of resistance developing.

The antibiotics used in the New Zealand Poultry Industry are registered for use by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA).