Dry cow treatment is the intra-mammary administration of a long-acting antibiotic preparation at the end of lactation. This is to treat for any intra-mammary bacterial infections contracted during lactation and also historically to prevent new infections. Mastitis can be very painful for dairy cows and represents economically the most important infectious disease in dairy cows.
UEVP promotes the responsible use of antibiotics for all animal use. As much as possible, the disease should be prevented by ensuring biosecurity measures and optimal nutrition, proper housing and ventilation, good management and preventive use of vaccines. Good dry cow treatment is part of good herd management.
UEVP believes that ‘blanket dry cow treatment’ should be replaced by selective dry cow treatment, unless in extreme circumstances.