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lease read this article and pass it on to a producer you know whom seldom uses a veterinarian as they are the main group to benefit greatly from some of the examples in this article. There is apprehension by both the producers and the veterinarians about the upcoming changes to the new antimicrobial regulations. This legislation has passed, so is coming and has already started, so best to ready ourselves. Please keep in mind your veterinarian is not the bad guy here and the veterinarian will need to establish a VCPR (veterinary client patient relationship) with your farm if one is not already established. The vast majority of you are already doing this and will see very little change as the veterinary clinic has a medical record of your herd, protocols established and prescribes and dispenses according to the rules. All of the new antimicrobials and painkillers that have come onto the market in the past many years are prescription products already. The small minority of you whom seldom use a veterinarian except for obstetrical cases or prolapses and have purchased most of your former supplies and medications elsewhere is whom this article really applies to. The non-prescription products such as dewormers, colostrum substitutes, electrolytes and some vaccines will still be available at the same outlets as they always have such as the UFA, CO-OP’s, feed supply stores or Peavey Marts.This article hopefully will illustrate by example a pile of good that will come out of these changes for you. The two main injectable types of antimicrobials no longer available without prescription on December 1, 2018 are the penicillins and tetracyclines. They have always been available at the veterinary clinics before but did not require a prescription whereas now they will. I would say in clinical large animal practice over the years these two products have been used less and less. There have been more specific antibiotics used for things like respiratory disease. Veterinarians and their staff will also educate you on things like proper injection technique, dosage or withdrawal times. There are also times when your cattle are examined that antimicrobials will not be used such as with many lamenesses, injuries or viral conditions. Other non antimicrobial products may be prescribed. By having these clinical cases examined the local veterinarian can get an understanding of what is going on in your herd. If they are out on your farm, a herd visit should be done establishing vaccination and parasite management protocols. Some clinics may even have protocol books to illustrate common disease conditions as well as drugs commonly used and their withdrawal times. The withdrawal times, species approved for, dosage and contraindications are always listed on the label. These are very important facts that your veterinarian knows and can help you with. I always like dosage, route of administration and meat or milk withdrawal charts. Keep in mind if the dosage is exceeded or the weight is overestimated and more product is given, the withdrawal time will automatically increase.
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Products given at different dosages or for species not indicated on the label also require a prescription. Unlike human medicine though, the examination may apply to the group of cattle or for instance, if further pneumonias come along they can be treated by you just like the first one you had examined that season. Many may have already noticed the scour bolus products which contained antibiotic combinations as well as other things have pretty much gone off the shelves. Again you will find by working with your veterinarian they can help you greatly by not only setting up preventative programs, but by changing treatments. Most scours cases are caused by viruses or protozoa so most antibiotics are ineffective. You will find your veterinarian may prescribe things like electrolytes, probiotics or things like activated charcoal for scours cases. The new changes should encourage a working relationship with your veterinarian. Programs like the BSE program for autopsies of mature (greater than 30 months) cows will get the veterinarian on your farm and the herd visit can be worked in establishing a VCPR. You will be brought up to date on the latest treatments for pain control, parasite control and vaccination for the preventable diseases you may find on your farm. Most clinics have haul in facilities so the sick calf, cow or bull can be transported in. With each clinical examination or autopsy, it is a look into the health and productivity of your herd. Veterinarians use these cases to discover preventative measures through nutrition, vaccinology, parasite control, etc. There is so much information that can be gleaned by the history or clinical signs of the case that will be asked of you. Routine procedures such as pregnancy checking, breeding soundness exams, nutritional or growth promotion or stress free handling all have a place and will lead to economic returns. The beef code of practice really illustrates good animal welfare practices and the further usage of pain control where necessary. Welcome this change and be proactive in your approach. The requirements are things you should be doing and are essentially law. Veterinarians are dedicated individuals to the health, welfare and economic sustainability of your herds. They are current in all matters regarding diagnosis or treatment of disease. They want the best from an animal welfare perspective for their cattle. These changes we are seeing will help lead to less reliance on antimicrobials and a more preventative approach to disease. Low stress livestock handling is also being taught and demonstrated as another method to reduce sickness and disease and thus not relying on antimicrobials as much. My guess is the December 1, 2018 deadline on all antimicrobials requiring a prescription will in the long run make our cattle herds healthier.With prudent and selective use of antimicrobials where necessary and utilizing other preventative measures such as vaccinations, stress free weaning or early detection of disease under the care of your veterinarian the cattle industry will get much stronger.