New dairy group launched to deliver antibiotic targets

The government has set an average national target for antibiotic use on-farm of 50mg/kg by 2018
The government has set an average national target for antibiotic use on-farm of 50mg/kg by 2018

A new dairy group has been launched to help implement antibiotic targets to be announced in October.

The 'Dairy Antimicrobial Stewardship Group' will bring together people within the farming, processing and veterinary sectors.

The government has set an average national target for antibiotic use on-farm of 50mg/kg by 2018.

Each livestock sector is developing its own objectives through a task force set up by RUMA, the agricultural and food industry alliance which promotes responsible use of medicines in farm animals.

The dairy group chaired by Di Wastenage, Devon dairy farmer and Council member for the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), will feed back progress to RUMA as work progresses.

'Raise productivity'

"Antibiotic use is of growing importance given concerns over antibiotic resistance," Mrs Wastenage said.

"The formation of the group is important to deliver the strategy and will ensure the dairy sector is well-placed to reach its targets.

"Reducing the use of antibiotics must not compromise the health and welfare of dairy cows either, which is why a responsible approach to this challenge is needed.

"The strategy will also be an opportunity to improve the health and welfare of the dairy herd, and to raise productivity."

She says that specialised training for both vets and farmers will be a key aspect in achieving the group’s goals, equipping both professions to work together on responsible use.

The Dairy Antimicrobial Stewardship Group consists of (alphabetically): AHDB, Arla Foods, British Cattle Veterinary Association, Dairy UK, Lactalis, Livestock Auctioneers Association, National Milk Records, National Office for Animal Health, RABDF, Red Tractor, RUMA and the UK farming unions – National Farmers Union of Scotland, Farmers Union of Wales, NFU England and Wales, Ulster Farmers Union.