Survey to gauge antibiotic use in UK cattle herds

The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) and the University of Bristol have launched a survey to gather information on antibiotic use within UK cattle herds.

The online survey – open until 12 September – includes questions on the attitude of cattle farmers to antibiotic use, how they select products and record use, and where potential antibiotic usage reductions might be possible.

RABDF believes the survey will highlight areas for improvement and targeted action.

See also: Colistin antibiotic target set to cut resistance risk

“The survey has been launched in response to the O’Neill Review on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which concluded that both a local and global focus across animal and human medicine is required if we are to win the battle to maintain the efficacy of antibiotics,” says RABDF chairman Mike King.

Amalgamated data from the survey will be shared with the University of Bristol for reproduction in research articles.

Data will also be shared with the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA), which has established a task force to examine the development of targets to replace, reduce and refine antibiotic use in UK agriculture.

Click here to complete the RABDF and University of Bristol survey.