A recent report raised concerns regarding the illegal use of certain antibiotics by a handful of dairy farmers.   Unlike beef cattle, and hogs, which are often given antibiotics as a preventative measure, dairymen will only administer antibiotics to a dairy cow when she’s sick.  Any milk produced while the drugs remain in the cow’s system is discarded.

Because of the resulting loss in production, a small number of farmers have apparently resorted to using antibiotics not approved for use in dairy cows.  Because milk shipments are tested for only commonly administered antibiotics,  the use of these particular antibiotics allows the offending dairies to skirt food safety rules.

To be clear, this is not a widespread practice.  In fact, only .4% of randomly collected samples had drug residues.  Most dairies are highly conscientious with regards to food safety.

But the issue of herd health is of great importance to all livestock operations.  Not only are medications and veterinary care expensive, but in the case of a dairy, there is a cost for care, and a cost in lost production.

What is the answer?   [Read more…]