WEB Vetnews Feb 2016

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Feb 2016 37
If the nutrition isn’t correct, or
the husbandry system results
in excessive stress or disease
challenge, the vaccine won’t
perform as it should and more
antibiotics will need to be used.
A good colostrum management
program is something that is
often forgotten. A calf is born
wholly dependent on receiving the
antibodies that are going to protect
it for the first few months of its
life from colostrum. Ensuring they
receive the right quality and quantity
at the right time is essential to giving
these young calves the best possible
start to life.
Administration of antimicrobials to
sick animals is essential. Using the
correct antimicrobial, at the correct
time and at the correct dose is just
as important. Animals that are at
high risk of suffering from disease
also warrant receiving antibiotics.
Certain times of the year or stages
of animals’ lives are high risk
periods for specific diseases. Using
antimicrobials strategically during
these times not only reduces the
incidence of disease but also the
pain and suffering of a number of
animals, improving their welfare. The
use of antibiotics in these animals
requires in depth consultation
between farmer and veterinarian
to determine when and for which
animals this kind of metaphylactic
treatment is justified.
All these aspects are so interlinked
that you can’t focus on one without
getting involved in another. The
essential message regarding
responsible antibiotic use is using
antimicrobials as little as possible,
but as much as necessary.
It is a holistic approach between
nutritionist, farmer, manager and
veterinarian all working together
toward a common goal; healthy
productive animals.
Reference:
EPRUMA (European platform for
the responsible use of medicines in
animals) best-practice framework
for the use of antibiotics in food-
producing animals. Available at
brochures
Zoetis South Africa (Pty) Ltd (Reg.
No.2012/001825 /07). PO Box
783720, Sandton, 2146. Tel: (011)
245 – 3300. 0860 ZOETIS (963847).
. v
Regulars I Zoetis pages
We are looking forward to every
new opportunity to help, and are
sincerely grateful to First National
Bank for their generous donation
which enables us to continue making
a difference in this new year. We
hope to reach and educate more and
more people and to be there for their
pets. v
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