🐄 Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines in Cattle Practice
Updated: July 2025
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern in livestock production, especially in large-scale cattle operations. Veterinarians and producers play a vital role in preserving antibiotic effectiveness by applying evidence-based antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) practices.
These guidelines aim to support rational antimicrobial use in both dairy and beef cattle systems.
🩺 1. Establish a Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)
- Maintain a valid and ongoing VCPR for all prescribing activities.
- Conduct routine herd health visits to understand farm-specific risks.
- Customize treatment protocols to the farm’s health status and management system.
🔬 2. Diagnose Before Treating
- Base antimicrobial use on a clinical diagnosis supported by:
- Rectal temperature, udder palpation, auscultation, etc.
- Milk cultures or bacterial identification when feasible.
- Necropsy or lab diagnostics in cases of unexplained mortality.
- Avoid treating viral or self-limiting diseases with antibiotics.
💊 3. Use Antimicrobials Responsibly
- Choose first-line agents recommended for food-producing animals.
- Avoid use of critically important antimicrobials unless justified.
- Prefer parenteral treatment over blanket group medication when possible.
- Ensure accurate dosing based on weight and withdrawal times.
🕒 4. Respect Withdrawal Periods
- Follow label or veterinarian-prescribed withdrawal intervals.
- Use residue avoidance programs in milk and meat production.
- Keep accurate treatment records for all animals.
🚫 5. Preventative Strategies
Reduce the need for antibiotics by:
- Improving colostrum management and calf immunity.
- Ensuring biosecurity and quarantine for new or sick animals.
- Optimizing nutrition, housing, ventilation, and hygiene.
- Implementing vaccination protocols against common bacterial diseases.
📝 6. Protocols and Record Keeping
- Maintain written treatment protocols for common conditions (e.g., mastitis, pneumonia, lameness).
- Document all treatments:
- Animal ID
- Drug name and dose
- Date and route
- Withdrawal period
- Audit antimicrobial use at least annually.
📚 Resources
- OIE – Terrestrial Code: Antimicrobial Use in Animals
- FDA Guidance for Industry #213
- Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA)
- European Medicines Agency – Categorization of Antimicrobials
Sustainable cattle farming depends on proactive disease prevention and responsible treatment practices. By adopting good antimicrobial stewardship, we protect animal health, public safety, and market integrity.
