Work

Belgian bovine veterinarians' practices and opinions on udder health‐related antimicrobial use and services

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Changing legislation regarding antimicrobial consumption (AMC) forces Flemish bovine veterinary practitioners (BVP) to rethink their business models and shift their on-farm practices from curative to preventive. However, little is known about their current practices and opinions regarding antibiotic stewardship, mastitis treatment and bacteriological culturing (BC) of milk samples, or how they envision their current and future roles on dairy farms. METHODS: An online questionnaire including 58 questions regarding demographics, udder health monitoring services (UHMS) and opinion on AMC, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and BC of milk was distributed among BVP. Responses were categorised by age, sex and years in practice and statistically compared. RESULTS: Forty BVP completed the questionnaire. Although 37 BVP (92.5%) hold great value to their UHMS, we demonstrate room for improvement in the visit frequency and content. Younger and early career BVP tend to be more aware of AMC, AMR and BC of milk. LIMITATIONS: Due to the limited participation rate, caution is required when extrapolating the findings of this study. CONCLUSION: Ongoing education and support are needed to tackle challenges and boost BVP' skills and motivation regarding UHMS and AMC in Flanders in order to achieve more evidence-based and preventive practices regarding udder health.

Source: Veterinary Record

DOI: 10.1002/vetr.6029

Authors: Lien Creytens, Sofie Piepers, Sarne De Vliegher

Institution: Ghent University

Language: English

Topic: Milk Quality and Mastitis in Dairy Cows

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,980