The Department of Agriculture has reminded farmers that there are currently no antibiotics licensed in Ireland for use in footbaths for cattle.

The reminder has been issued following several queries to the Department about the use of soluble antibiotic powders, such as erythromycin and lincomycin, in footbaths. These queries related mainly to digital dermatitis in cows.

As there are no products licensed for use, the practice of using antibiotics in footbathing solutions is based on their use ‘off-label’.

With alternatives available, the opportunity for a veterinary practitioner to prescribe ‘off-label’ use is restricted.

Risk

The Department has advised farmers that using a product for which it is not authorised carries a significant risk to public health for a number of reasons. This, it said, is due to potential residues in milk or meat in treated animals, contribution to antimicrobial resistance and possible environmental contamination.

Also cited was recent research showing that the use of antibiotic footbaths only provides short-lived relief for affected cattle, with many cattle remaining acutely or chronically infected.

Bovine lameness

The Department acknowledged that bovine lameness could be a serious issue, particularly for dairy herds, and it must be controlled. It highlighted the importance of identifying the correct cause of the problem and the need for a farmer to implement an effective lameness control programme in conjunction with the herd's veterinary practitioner.

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