FARM Program publishes 2021 Drug Residue Prevention Manual

Educational tool promotes best management practices for administering treatment to dairy cattle

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program published its 2021 Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Reference Manual and accompanying pocket guide, an on-farm educational tool that promotes best management practices for administering treatment to dairy cattle. The annual publication also provides a comprehensive list of FDA-approved drugs for use in cattle with their associated milk and meat withdrawal times, along with milk and urine screening test information. The pocket guide offers a quick reference to these informational charts in a small, laminated, ring-bound booklet.

“The U.S. dairy industry is committed to antibiotic stewardship and appropriate use of all medications used for our dairy cattle,” says Karen Jordan, DVM, chair of the NMPF Animal Health and Well-Being Committee. “The Drug Residue Prevention Manual has helped dairy farmers make educated choices when working with their veterinarians to care for their animals for more than 30 years.”

When dairy animals get sick or injured and treatment is necessary, producers and veterinarians use antibiotics and other drugs prudently. The manual serves as a resource for producers and veterinarians, and includes information on:

• Residue prevention best practices
• Record keeping and herd health
• Drug administration
• Culling of animals
• Residue testing
• Drug classes
• Approved drugs and screening tests

“Collaborating with veterinarians and dairy professionals to advance the responsible use of antibiotics and preserve animal health and welfare is at the core of our partnership with the FARM program,” says Mike Lormore DVM, MS, MBA, head of U.S. cattle technical services at Zoetis.

The FARM Program is grateful for Zoetis’s partnership. Their sponsorship supports the development of on-farm resource development for U.S. dairy farmers, such as the manual.

The dairy industry is committed to producing the highest quality, safe, abundant, and affordable milk and dairy beef. All medications must be used appropriately under veterinary guidance to prevent residues from occurring in milk and dairy beef.