Helping heifers grow
Dairy farmers can easily track the performance of their replacement heifers and ensure they reach their genetic potential.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is appealing to all New Zealand communities to work together with veterinarians to ensure all antimicrobials are used wisely.
Association president Steve Merchant says the threat of antimicrobial resistance is recognised as one of the greatest risks to human and animal health and is a high priority for the veterinary profession.
"After more than 70 years since the first use of penicillin in human medicine there are a number of bacteria in circulation across the world that are resistant to one or more antimicrobials," says Merchant.
"Therefore the NZVA advises responsible use of antimicrobials (the general term that covers anti-bacterials (commonly known as antibiotics), anti-virals, anti-fungals and anti-protozoals).
"Animal and human health have always been interlinked, and bacteria resistant to drug therapy can be passed from animals to humans, and vice versa. Therefore veterinarians and human health physicians have an obligation to continue to work together on this key issue."
The use of antimicrobials in veterinary practice has assisted in ensuring the health of livestock and companion animals, and as a result contributed to New Zealand's favourable animal health status. Antimicrobial use is part of a suite of treatments ensuring the safe production of meat, milk and other animal products for human consumption. Antimicrobial use is also important to ensure the welfare of animals.
Antimicrobial usage should always be part of, and not a replacement for, an integrated animal disease control programme. Such a programme is likely to involve such measures as hygiene and disinfection procedures, biosecurity measures, management alterations, changes in stocking rates, and vaccination. This applies to both companion and farm animals.
"Just as in human health, consumer demand for antimicrobials to treat animal disease must be balanced by client/consumer education (pet owners, farmers, farm managers), to protect against poor or ineffective use which can allow resistance to develop," says Merchant.
Third-year student Cady Burns has won the Waikato Regional Council Prize in Water Science for 2024.
The Rural Change programme, providing free private mental health professional sessions to the rural industry, is set to continue its next chapter within Rural Support Trust from 1 July 2024.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor will step down in July.
A new report shows farm employers across the dairy, sheep and beef, and arable sectors have continued to invest strongly in one of their greatest assets – their staff.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…