The test places the herd on a scale. Bacteria in their natural, fully sensitive state are called ʻwild type’ and wild is what you want, Arnica says.
With the results in-hand, Arnica and Margaret sat down and came up with a comprehensive animal health plan. In addition to selecting appropriate treatments, Margaret made strategic culls, focused on good hygiene, and used vigilant mastitis testing on individual cows to match the right antibiotic to each case.
That’s the mindset shift the DairyAntibiogram test helps farmers make, Arnica says. Rather than assuming a stubborn case means the drug has failed, the test can confirm the drug still works – pointing instead to a cow or a management issue, Arnica points out.
“We don’t want to change the whole herd’s treatment because one cow isn’t responding,” she says.
“Without DairyAntibiogram, we are going in blind. With this test, vets can untangle what’s going on with bacteria on-farm and work with the farmer to find some practical solutions.”
DairyAntibiogram gives vets and farmers the evidence to use the right drug first and stick with a sound plan rather than constantly switching. It’s about responsible antibiotic use and protecting the drugs every farmer relies on.
“Margaret is proof that a farmer who’s motivated to do the right thing can make progress with the right information and back it up with a good plan.”
