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New study sheds light on antibiotic use
Scientists analysed 358 dairy farms, including 81,000 cattle, over a 12-month period. 
Nottingham develops online tool for dairy vets and farmers 

Antibiotic footbaths for cattle are “an obvious target” for reducing antimicrobial use, scientists say, as new research shows they account for the largest volume of antibiotics being dispersed into the food chain.

Nottingham vet school has now developed a new online tool to help vets and farmers monitor and reduce antibiotic use in dairy herds.

A research team from the University of Nottingham studied antibiotic use in a large sample of dairy farms. According to the findings, a quarter of the farms used 50 per cent of the total antibiotics used by all farms in a year.

The study, published in Vet Record, is the first published research on antimicrobial use in British dairy herds, as well as factors associated with high usage.

Scientists analysed 358 dairy farms, including 81,000 cattle, over a 12-month period. The majority of antibiotic use was via injections, accounting for around 78 per cent of the antibiotics used or sold to the farms.

“What stood out as particularly surprising was the effects of the use of antibiotics in footbaths for conditions like digital dermatitis,” said senior clinical training scholar Robert Hyde.

“Footbaths for cattle can use phenomenal quantities of antimicrobials, and represent an obvious target for the rapid reduction of antimicrobial usage.”

The university’s new tool - the Nottingham University Dairy Antimicrobial Usage (AMU) Calculator - can be used in the field. It is available for free download from the AHDB website.

Edward Bailey from the George Veterinary Group in Wiltshire is already using the calculator.

He said: “This new tool is proving really useful to compare antimicrobial use between farms. It has helped cut through the confusion of different systems of measurement.

“It has been easier to effect change being able to display graphically to farmers their critically important antimicrobial usage and how particular patterns of use (e.g. footbath) can hugely affect how they compare with others.”

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.