DCHA webinar to focus on using antimicrobial metaphylaxis for BRD in dairy calves

The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) invites you to attend its next webinar – “Considerations for the Use of Antimicrobial Metaphylaxis for BRD in Dairy Calves.” This free webinar, presented by John Champagne, Merck Animal Health livestock technical services manager, is set for Oct. 8, starting at 2 p.m. Central time,

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards granted one Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) credit for this DCHA webinar. Thus, veterinarians who attend will earn one CE credit.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to be a major detractor to cattle production and requires continued therapeutic relief. In the broad strokes of today’s scrutiny and progressive regulation due to antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial treatment opportunities are under progressive perusal for their justification and stewardship regarding their use. Additionally, consumers demand excellent animal care and welfare. The juxtaposition of BRD therapeutic need, along with increasing pressure for elevated judicious antimicrobial use, is both complex and complicated.

Champagne will discuss research that shows how hutched calves – when treated with an antibiotic – respond positively to antimicrobial therapy. Appropriate therapy significantly reduces BRD sickness and mortality. However, as pressure mounts from consumer groups to reduce antibiotic use in food animals due to antimicrobial resistance concerns, it becomes increasingly important to understand how metaphylaxis works and how changes in the practice might affect results.

Armed with extensive on-farm, in-clinic and teaching experience, Champagne joined Merck Animal Health in 2018. Previously, he served as the service chief and dairy production medicine clinician at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center. Champagne earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Ross University and master’s degree in preventative veterinary medicine from UC-Davis.

To register for the webinar, go to: http://bit.ly/DCHAAntimicrobialMetaphylaxisand follow the prompts. As the webinar approaches, you will receive an e-mail with information on how to log in to participate.

This webinar is sponsored by Merck Animal Health. The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association does not support one product over another and any mention is not an endorsement by DCHA.

If you are a DCHA member and cannot attend the live program, you may access the webinar through DCHA’s online Member Center. To access the webinar, DCHA members need to visit https://calfandheifer.org/login and enter their username and password.

For more information about DCHA’s webinars, e-mail Sue Schatz, DCHA member services director, at: sue@calfandheifer.org. Follow DCHA on social media or visit the DCHA website to learn about future webinars.

The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (www.calfandheifer.org) was founded in 1996 based on the mission to help dairy producers, calf managers and those professionally focused on the growth and management of dairy calves and heifers. With a national membership of producers, allied industries and research leaders, DCHA seeks to provide the industry’s standards for profitability, performance and leadership, serving as a catalyst to help members improve the vitality and viability of their individual efforts and that of their business.