Usage of antibacterial agents in cattle medicine, part two: Mastitis, foot diseases

Antibiotic use in food animals plays a role in the emerging public health crisis of antibiotic resistance, although the degree and relative impact have not yet been well characterized. Hence, particular attention should be paid to the risk to human health when selecting antibiotic treatment in food-producing animals. In order for the antibiotics that are currently in use, to be effective in the future, their responsible use is essential. The responsible and correct use of antibiotics by veterinarians reduces the selection and dissemination of resistant bacterial strains, increases cost-effectiveness and helps to control diseases. This two-part literature review describes the pathology of the most economically damaging diseases of cattle (complex respiratory diseases, calf diarrhoea, bovine mastitis, lameness) and presents evidence-based recommendations and best practices on use of medically important antimicrobials for their treatment and prevention. In this second part, bovine mastitis and lameness are included. The aim of our study is to support the work of the practicing veterinarians, to present the latest research results, to reduce routine treatments, and to promote conscious, responsible drug use.