Responsible use of medicines in livestock

Farmers and stock keepers play a major role in ensuring that medicines are used responsibly. Read our advice and information that will help you take steps towards responsible medicine use.

Information on all medicines in use should be readily available to stockkeepers and kept on file.

If in any doubt, seek advice from your veterinary surgeon or the product supplier.

Everyone involved with a treatment must make themselves aware of the medicine information relating to withdrawal periods, both for animals destined for slaughter and for those involved in producing milk for human consumption.

Everyone who administers medicines to animals should be trained in injection and drenching techniques.

This could either be by attending a training course or asking the vet to demonstrate the right techniques.

Training is also provided by NOAH Animal Medicines Best Practice training programme and MilkSure Training programme on the use of veterinary medicines.

Staff working directly with animals should be trained to identify health problems early and in the use of veterinary medicines, to safeguard the health and welfare of animals on that farm.

When using medicines, always follow the guidance on the label and package insert, and check you are not allergic to the product ingredients.

Find out why the five Rs are critical to responsible medicine use on farm.

The five Rs of using medicines are:

1. Right animal.
2. Right medicine.
3. Right route.
4. Right dose.
5. Right time.

Injuries from incorrect medicine administration can cause pain and devalue the carcase, but are preventable. Read our tips on best practice for injections and drenching on farm.

Find out more about health planning and how it helps achieve responsible medicine use on farm.

Vaccines are a key aspect of responsible medicine use. Our advice will help you understand vaccines and their use on farm.

Find out more about how these professional experts work with medicine use.

If you would like to order a hard copy of Using medicines responsibly, please contact publications@ahdb.org.uk or call 0247 799 0069.

Safeguarding responsible medicine use webinar

What does 'responsible medicine use' look like in practice on sheep farms?

Rebekah Stuart (Flock and Herd Health Executive Officer at Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales) chaired this session with Lesley Stubbings (independent consultant), Fiona Lovatt (consultant sheep vet), Kevin Harrison (farmer) and Clare Wise (farmer).