Sheep, beef and dairy farmers discuss veterinary medicine

A veterinary practice based in Hertfordshire has held a workshop for its clients on the responsible use of anti-infectives.

Supported by Ceva Animal Health and organised by the XL Group as part of its Farm Skills programme, the event was attended by sheep, beef and dairy farmers across the region.

The workshop aimed to discuss the safe and effective use of medicines for farm animals, including when, why and what the responsible treatment options should be when it comes to using anti-infectives, vaccines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.

While antimicrobial resistance remains one of the largest threats to animal health, Belmont Veterinary Practice, who hosted the event, wanted to help its clients understand both the reasoning and methodology behind their vets' treatment protocols.

The workshop involved informal discussion, debate and hands-on sessions for large animal farmers.

"Resistance is a serious issue," said Alan Doyle, managing director of Ceva. "It is our duty to address the problem meticulously, in order to preserve our veterinary medicine box for future animal health.

"Encouraging routine culture and sensitivity testing is a logical first step as it helps take the predictive element out of treatment choices to ensure best efficacy."

Image courtesy of Ceva