The news this week that Coop Italia is to move to only selling antibiotic-free beef highlights the extent to which the issue of antimicrobial resistance is gaining traction at political and consumer level.

There is no doubt that food producers are now under the spotlight and with this will come changes in husbandry practices.

It is positive that the Italian retailer is looking to Ireland as a source of both antibiotic-free beef and weanlings.

We must be in a position to deliver on what is a growing trend globally.

A more proactive approach towards herd health is needed to ensure we keep ahead of this trend.