EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University will host a virtual field day focusing on responsible use of antimicrobials in livestock production on Tuesday, October 26, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
This virtual field day event will feature leading researchers and outreach specialists representing Michigan State University and Kansas State University and include local farmers and meat retailers who will describe why sound antimicrobial stewardship is critical to the future of livestock production, including how it can be implemented effectively on farms of any size.
“Consumers today want to be assured that their meat and dairy products come from farmers who understand that responsible use of antimicrobials is critical to the long-term health and well-being of their herds, the environment and of people,” said Madonna Benjamin, DVM, College of Veterinary Medicine.
Antimicrobials have been used to help prevent and treat disease in food animals for over 70 years. In 2017, U.S. meat and dairy industries implemented Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) guidelines in response to increasing public concern over perceived excessive use of antibiotics in livestock and its potential impact on antibiotic resistance.
The VFD bans use of medically important antibiotics (antibiotics used in human medicine) in animal feed and water to promote growth and improve feed efficiency, while allowing their continued use under close supervision by veterinarians to prevent or treat disease. These guidelines have resulted in substantial reductions in the use of feed-grade antimicrobials by farmers and have increased the importance of using sound farm management practices to help maintain healthy animals.
This event will provide timely information for farmers raising any type of livestock, as well as other stakeholders in the meat/dairy industries, including veterinarians, inspectors/auditors, educators, students, researchers, packers and retailers.
“Our field day panel will provide information and ideas on responsible use of antimicrobials from their perspective as farmers, vendors and researchers who are leaders and innovators in this critical aspect of food production,” said Dave Thompson, PhD, MSU-Extension/Pork Team
The virtual field day will include a panel discussion on the future of antimicrobial use in food animals and offer attendees opportunities to question leading experts in this field. Registration and attendance will satisfy requirements for CE credits such as PAACO recertification.
Participants must register online for this event; a Zoom link for the event will be sent to the address they provide at registration. Questions about registration should be directed to Shelby Warner at warner80@msu.edu or Megghan Honke at honkemeg@msu.edu.
— Michigan State ANR
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