Inputs Antibiotics
Antibiotics
The use of antibiotics is strictly restricted in organic farming. Mastitis (inflammation of the udder) is one of the main reasons for antibiotic treatments. However, little is known about usage of antibiotics in organic dairy farms in Europe.
An overview of the current use of and need for antibiotics in organic livestock production in the context of different livestock species and management schemes is therefore needed.
preventive herd health management measures were developed and successfully implemented in past projects.
SCALE-it aims to develop solutions for the replacement of antibiotics in organic animal husbandry. It will:
- Upscale and broaden the focus of the RELACS Animal Health and Welfare Planning Protocol to reduce antibiotic use in dairy ruminants
- Refine existing and develop new strategies to reduce antibiotic use in organic livestock by a systems approach, including hygiene measures and the use of medicinal plants - to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo trials.
- Upscale and refine an existing targeted treatment programme to reduce the use of anthelmintics in organic livestock.
