Farm Animal Antimicrobial selection

Question 1

What needs to be taken into consideration with the updated cascade other than just the most appropriate active substance?

Answer 1

– the most appropriate formulation
– the posology (dosage)
– the current pattern of resistance in their locality
– an awareness of how to reduce selection pressure, and
– related factors eg good biosecurity and husbandry/hygiene, avoiding surgical sepsis etc
– If a vet can demonstrate that these steps have been taken, then cascade use of antibiotics is supported

Question 2

Within the dutch formulary for cattle treatment what are the first choice drugs?

Answer 2

*Penicillins
*Tetracyclines
*Phenicols
*Sulphonamides
*Licosamides
*Macrolides

Question 3

What are the second choice drugs within the dutch formulary and what is needed for use of these drugs?

Answer 3

*Need justification - due to natural / acquired resistance of bacteria + bacteriology cannot be done

*Amino-penicillins
*1st + 2nd generation Cephalosporins
*Aminoglycosides

Question 4

What are the third line drugs within dutch formulary and when can these be used?

Answer 4

*Only used after bacteriology has been performed + no alternatives available

*3rd + 4th generation Cephalosporins
*Fluoroquinolones

Question 5

What are Arla current standards for dry cow therapy?

Answer 5

1. Overall antibiotic use: Antibiotic therapy is only used if there is evidence that shows the need for the treatment.
2. Dry Cow therapy: There is an implemented drying off protocol in place which may include a decision tree. Cows are only treated when there is evidence that treatment is necessary based on the needs of the cow.

Question 6

What is the most commonly used antibiotic in cattle?

Answer 6

Pen / strep

Question 7

What is the aim of dry cow therapy?
What is given?

Answer 7

Intra-mammary tubes given at start of dry period
*Aim to control mastitis + reduce cell count

Question 8

What can be used to treat mastitis?

Answer 8

*Pen/strep - 3 day course -milk not used for 60hrs post tx
*Ceftiofur - £13 for 3 day course
*Naxcel = 1 injection £18.50 - convenient + course finished

Question 9

What should be done to prevent disease?

Answer 9

*Improve biosecurity
*Minimise disease risk factors
*Improve immunity of cattle