EMA Greenlights Targeted Antibiotic Use in Dairy Cows: A Shift Towards Responsible Farming
In a landmark decision announced on March 12, 2026, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has endorsed a more targeted approach to antibiotic use in dairy cows, specifically during the dry period – the time when cows are not lactating. This move, stemming from a seven-month review initiated by a request from Germany, signals a growing commitment to combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the European agricultural sector.
The Problem with Blanket Antibiotic Treatment
For years, the standard practice has been to administer antibiotics to all cows during the dry period, treating all four quarters of the udder preventatively. However, the EMA’s Veterinary Medicines Committee (CVMP) has concluded that this “blanket” approach offers no significant advantages in terms of efficacy or safety compared to a more selective strategy. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics contributes to the rise of bacterial resistance, a major public health threat.
As highlighted by the EMA, mitigating antibiotic resistance is a high priority. The BfArM emphasizes that the appropriate use of antibiotics is crucial to maintaining their effectiveness for future treatments.
Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT): A Precision Approach
The approved alternative is Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT), which involves treating only those quarters that are at risk of infection. This is based on careful diagnostics and a thorough understanding of the herd’s health status. The CVMP found that SDCT, whether applied to individual cows or individual quarters, can significantly reduce antibiotic use without compromising animal health.
Key indicators for determining which quarters require treatment include regular herd health checks, somatic cell counts (SCC) in milk, the California Mastitis Test (CMT), and monitoring for new intramammary infections. Veterinarians, in collaboration with farmers, will make case-by-case decisions based on these factors and practical considerations like workload.
Impact on Product Information and Future Regulations
The EMA is now working to incorporate these findings into the product information for veterinary intramammary medications used in dry cows. Clear guidance will be provided to veterinarians and farmers, outlining how to implement SDCT effectively. This will ensure the approach aligns with the terms of the product’s authorization.
This decision aligns with broader efforts to address AMR, including Germany’s national Antibiotic Resistance Strategy (DART 2030), which focuses on national and international cooperation.
Beyond Dairy: Implications for Animal Health
This shift towards targeted antibiotic use in dairy farming could pave the way for similar approaches in other livestock sectors. The principles of responsible antibiotic stewardship – using the right drug, at the right dose, for the right duration, and only when necessary – are universally applicable.
The EMA is also actively supporting innovation in the antibiotic pipeline, issuing guidance documents for clinical trial designs and engaging in early dialogue with developers of new antibiotics targeting priority pathogens.
Pro Tip
Implementing SDCT requires robust record-keeping and a strong working relationship between farmers and veterinarians. Accurate diagnostics are essential for making informed treatment decisions.
FAQ
Q: What is SDCT?
A: Selective Dry Cow Therapy involves treating only the udder quarters of dairy cows that are at risk of infection during the dry period, rather than treating all four quarters routinely.
Q: Why is this change being made?
A: To reduce the overall use of antibiotics in dairy farming and help combat the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.
Q: Who makes the decision about which quarters to treat?
A: A veterinarian, in collaboration with the farmer, based on herd health data and individual cow assessments.
Q: Will this affect the health of the cows?
A: No. The EMA’s review concluded that SDCT is safe and effective when implemented correctly, and does not compromise animal health.
Q: When will these changes be implemented?
A: The EMA will transmit the scientific opinion to the European Commission, Member States, Iceland and Norway. Updates to product information are expected to follow.
Did you know? Improper prescription and use of antibiotics is considered a major cause of increasing antibiotic resistance.
Learn more about the EMA’s perform on antimicrobial resistance here.
What are your thoughts on this new approach? Share your comments below!
