Animal Health
Identify, treat and prevent animal health problems of dairy cattle.
Herd productivity and longevity
Dairy farmers want to do what is best for their cows and ensure that, regardless of the situation, they are proud of the way they care for their animals. Animal health is one of the five areas of animal welfare, along with behavioural interactions, nutrition, physical environment and mental state. Healthy cows also produce more milk and last longer in the herd.
Prevention
Disease prevention is the most critical aspect of maintaining animal health on dairy farms. We support farmers and service providers to manage animal health including:
- Mastitis.
- Lameness.
- Rearing healthy calves.
- Transition feeding.
- Biosecurity.
Rapid diagnosis and treatment
Rapid identification and appropriate treatment, including the use of pain relief, of sick or injured animals is vital. Ensure anyone working with livestock is trained and competent to identify signs of pain, injury or disease and acts decisively. Action is required to ensure a cow is not suffering unnecessarily or for any prolonged period.
Antimicrobial stewardship
Antibiotics are used by dairy farmers to ensure the health and welfare of animals. The Australian dairy industry has a low use of antibiotics compared to other countries. However, the industry recognises that overuse and incorrect use contribute to antibiotic resistance and is committed to using antibiotics responsibly to protect the health and welfare of our animals, people and the environment.
Responsible use includes:
- Implementing key practices to prevent disease, including sound biosecurity practices.
- Following treatment protocols, developed with their veterinarian, for important diseases on farm.
- Regularly reviewing their veterinary medicine use with their veterinarian.
Veterinarians servicing Australian dairy farms should be familiar with the Australian Government’s Antibiotics Importance Ratings and Summary of Antibacterial Uses in Human and Animal Health in Australia and the Australian Veterinary Association Prescribing Guidelines for Dairy Cattle.
