Cattle, pigs, sheep and goats
In 1998 the Swedish Veterinary Association decided to adopt a general policy for the use of antibiotics in animals. Since then specific policies for the use of antibiotics in dogs and cats have been adopted and in 2011 Guidelines for the use of Antibiotics in Production animals – Cattle and Pigs, were accepted. By decision of the board of the Swedish Veterinary Society (SVS) these guidelines have been updated.
The over-arching goal of SVS is to achieve a low and controlled use of antibiotics in Swedish animal production so that the first-hand choices of treatment remain efficient and that the spread of antimicrobial resistance – among animals and herds as well as in the food chain – is kept at a minimum. Keeping antimicrobial resistance in animals low is important also for human health, since we are all part of the same ecosystem. The authors of these guidelines hope that they may be useful for veterinarians in clinical practice when deciding on treatments for common diseases and ailments caused by bacteria. Sometimes the decision may even be to refrain from use of antibiotics and chose other ways of improving herd health.
To read more of the introduction, download a copy here.
Diseases in goats
Ylva Persson, DVM, PhD
In Sweden only one antimicrobial is registered for use in goats – benzyl penicillin procaine (BPP) (Penovet®, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, FASS VET. Sweden 2015). All other drugs for therapy need to conform to the EU cascade principle. Since goats might react with strong pain to injections with tetracycline other antimicrobials should be preferred if BPP cannot be expected to be effective.
Mastitis is the most important production disease in goat milk herds. Good udder health is important for animal welfare as well as from food safety aspects. The most frequently isolated udder pathogens in dairy goats in Sweden are Staphylo coccus (S.) aureus and coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS). Subclinical mastitis is seen more often than clinical.
IGA Country Representative for Sweden
Ylva is an associate state veterinarian in ruminant diseases at the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) of Sweden, a governmental agency with expert authority on infectious diseases in animals. As part of her duties, Ylva is responsible for the goat activities at SVA, which include doing research, communicating with goat veterinarians and farmers, arranging workshops and training for goat associations, farmers, and veterinarians. Ylva’s focuses her research on udder health in dairy goats. Ylva graduated as a veterinarian in 1997 and obtained her Ph.D. in bull fertility the same year. SVA has employed Ylva since 2007.
Want to learn more about our other Country Representatives? Click here.
Written by Ylva Persson, IGA Country Representative for Sweden
Associate State Veterinarian, National Veterinary Institute, Sweden
Goat farming in Sweden is a remnant from traditional agriculture. In previous times, this was an important activity for the rural population and was based on an extensive system. Today, there is growing interest in local food production, both among consumers and producers.
Most artisan farm dairies in Sweden keep dairy goats, while cows and sheep are less common. The main purpose of the production is cheese, but there is growing interest and demand for other products, such as meat, butter, raw milk, ice cream, etc. These dairy farms contribute to rural development by producing gastronomic products that can be served by local restaurants and hotels. They are also targets for tourism and create important work opportunities in villages, especially for women.
The IGA Board of Directors is pleased to announce three wonderful new Country Representatives. They have each demonstrated their commitment to IGA and knowledge of the goat sector.
These recently elected Country Representatives are:
We are proud to welcome the newest IGA institutional member, the National Veterinary Institute (Statens Veterinärmedicinska Anstalt or SVA).
SVA is a Swedish governmental institution a national authority in veterinary medicine, providing expert advice and working for good animal and human health. Veterinarians and animal owners are key groups in detecting diseases and they work in close co-operation with both.
The International Goat Association promotes goat research and development for the benefit of humankind, to alleviate poverty, to promote prosperity and to improve the quality of life.