The study, conducted by top researchers from universities in three states, will encompass all eight dairy regions across Australia and aims to comprehend the current animal health status
Dairy Australia and Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) are joining forces with leading Australian researchers to support dairy veterinarians and farmers in monitoring and benchmarking their animal health, antibiotic use, and antimicrobial resistance.
The study, undertaken by world-class researchers from universities in three states, will cover all eight dairy regions across Australia and aims to understand the current animal health status and antibiotic use on Australian dairy farms and identify key strategies for addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Pilot farmers will receive reports on key animal health indicators such as clinical mastitis and calf health, as well as antibiotic and anti-inflammatory use. Dairy veterinarians, farmers, and post-graduate students can also be nominated to participate in this groundbreaking research.
Dairy Australia National Lead – Animal Health and Welfare Dr Stephanie Bullen says that effective antibiotics are a critical tool for dairy farmers to maintain the health and welfare of their animals.
“AMR develops when infections no longer respond to antibiotics used to treat them. AMR can occur due to overuse of antibiotics, incorrect use of antibiotics or when one type of resistant bacteria transfers their resistance genes to another type.”
“All users of antibiotics – medical professionals, patients, veterinarians and farmers – have a responsibility to use antibiotics well. The Australian dairy industry has committed to stewardship of antibiotics, using as little as possible and only as often as necessary, and this is reflected in the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework.”
FIAL Managing Director Dr Mirjana Prica says that this study is important to the future of dairy in Australia’s food system.
“Global protein consumption has risen 40 per cent since 2,000 and the demand for traditional proteins like dairy is expected to remain strong in Australia.”
