Developing new ways to quickly diagnose illnesses in farm animals - allowing vets to administer effective, targeted treatment - could play a key role in helping to tackle the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, according to a Kingston University microbiology expert.
Professor Mark Fielder said that scaling back the widespread use of antibiotics was vital if attempts to combat the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria were to be successful. He is currently developing a rapid diagnostic tests for Salmonella in calves.
"Diarrhoea in calves can be caused by a number of things such as a parasite, a virus, or bacteria" he said. "Only a bacterial cause would potentially require antibiotic treatment and the test we're developing should give a result within an hour - and crucially could be done in the back of a car or van out on the farm rather than having to go to the lab.
"What we're trying to get away from is using broad-spectrum antibiotics based on a "best guess" diagnosis, which could lead to an increased risk of resistance developing."
Market round-up
Lawrie & Symington Ltd sold 155 store heifers in Lanark on Tuesday to a top of £1800 per head and 241.2p per kg to average £871.39 and 205.2p (+0.4p on the fortnight), while 286 store bullocks peaked at £1400 and 254.9p to level at £948.02 and 216p (no change). Sixty-one store, dairy-bred bullocks sold to £780 and 161.1p to average £708.63 and 142.5p (-0.9p).
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 11 prime heifers at Ayr on Tuesday to a top of £1249.50 and 238p to average £1172.33 and 220.2p.
In the rough ring 77 beef cows sold to £1370 and 176.6p to average 123.2p, while 124 dairy cows peaked at £950 and 125.4p to level at 98.6p. Five bulls sold to £1370 and 167.2p to average 127p, while 5 clean OTM cattle peaked at £930 and 147.1p to level at 130.9p.
A small show of 5 dairy cattle sold to £1900 for a Holstein Friesian heifer and averaged £1399.
There were also 47 beef-breeding cattle forward at the firm's monthly sale. Top prices and averages: Heifers with calf-at-foot to £1450 and averaged £1355.56 for 9; cows with calves £1450 and £1154 for 5; in-calf heifers £1380 and £1113.07 for 13; bulling heifers £1380 and £1131.43 for 18.
Wallets Marts sold 1351 prime hoggs in Castle Douglas on Tuesday to a top of £85 per head and 192p per kg to average £67.69 and 168p (-1.4p on the week).
There were also 218 cast sheep when ewes sold to £108 for Texels and £57.50 for Blackfaces.
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