Virbac Extends Free Milk Analysis Scheme

Virbac Animal Health has extended a successful scheme it launched earlier this year to encourage farmers to have milk samples analysed in line with the industry-wide campaign to promote the responsible use of antimicrobials. Under the terms of the initiative, announced in February, veterinary surgeons purchasing Virbac’s leading Cephaguard DC therapy receive vouchers to distribute to farmer clients. These vouchers can be redeemed for milk bacteriology to determine the pathogens causing mastitis and so ensure treatment is more targeted and effective. Commenting on the extension of the scheme, Brigitte Goasduf MRCVS, Ruminants Product Manager at Virbac, said: “Experts agree that individual SCC monitoring combined with the accurate diagnosis of the infection-causing pathogens is key to treating mastitis effectively. Unfortunately many farmers are still deterred by the cost. We developed the scheme specifically to tackle this problem and to help farmers realise the benefits of testing. We’ve had an excellent response from practices so far and, in view of this, we’ve decided to extend it until the end of 2012. Vouchers with a return deadline of 31 August will also remain valid for this extended period. We hope the scheme will continue to give our veterinary customers the opportunity to foster good practice by encouraging farmer clients to submit milk samples for investigation at no cost to themselves. This will then enable farmers to treat the bacteria causing the infection in line with industry guidelines for the use of antimicrobials.” Graham Stephens, MRCVS and Partner at the Gloucester-based Wood Veterinary Group, comments: “Schemes like this which encourage the investigation of mastitis problems are most welcome because they encourage a more strategic approach to treatment.” For further information, contact your Virbac territory manager or call Virbac on 01359 243243.

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