Project Engage was officially last Friday in Co Waterford.

Project Engage is a year long pilot program co-ordinated by the Irish Farmer’s Journal, Xlvets Ireland and Virtual Vet which aims to examine the effects of close veterinary involvement and proactive management on animal health and antibiotic usage.

At a roundtable discussion on the project participating farmers were vocal, saying they see many challenges ahead in the animal health space and this gives them an opportunity to get ahead and really look at what antibiotics they are using and try and reduce using in the future.

Launching project "Engage".

Antibiotic usage

The majority of the 11 farms involved have already undertaken a review of antibiotic usage for 2017, 2018 and the current year. This has allowed the vets to both measure and also focus on where antibiotic usage is.

For the programme, putting defined measurements on antibiotic usage is important to see what areas need improving, but for most it will actually be a case of quantifying how little antibiotics they are using.

Another important aspect of the programme is measuring productivity and profitably on the participating farms. Yearly disease and mortality figures will also be tracked to assess the impact of the programme.

Vet visits

Most farms will average four visits from their vets during the year at key times before high risk periods.

There will be a big focus on husbandry and animal health. Every visit simple reviews will be made of BCS and lameness. Each month Virtual Vet will have a monthly record available for the vets to check back on antibiotic usage.

This allows for a more proactive approach towards spotting problems early.

During each visit the vet and the farmer will pinpoint one or two actions needed to improve animal health and husbandry. While all areas will be covered this allows both parties to focus on things that need improving quickly.

The vets will also chose whatever diagnostics or testing may be required on farms during the year.

An example of the sheep visit between scanning and lambing is attached here.

The visit will focus on key events for the flock at that time of year. It will also focus on the flock themselves and housing (the environment). Again the vet and farmer will review his plan ahead of lambing time. These visits are also backed up by a thorough history of antibiotic usage and risk areas previously identified.