‘Farmers yet to adopt top mastitis controls despite economic benefit’
The AHI expert told those attending yesterday’s Cattle Association of Veterinary Ireland annual conference in Galway that the business case for farmers to improve mastitis control in their herds is very clear.
“The research shows us that there are significant economic gains to be made through increased production, a reduction in cases treated, etc,” said Ms McCoy. “Farmers report that dealing with mastitis is very stressful, thus reducing the prevalence and incidence of infection would reduce that stress level. There are also longer term gains at an industry level: having a constant supply of raw product of a high quality increases competitiveness and gives market security.”
The AHI scientist outlined some of the research behind the economic argument for improving udder health, noting that there is no shortage of evidence-based recommendations, but noted there are still some farmers who do not implement those recommendations in order to have the best mastitis control.
Ms McCoy said that a “whole-of-industry, collective approach” would be valuable when it comes to improving udder health on a national level. She encouraged livestock vets to consider how they can influence farmer behaviour.
“If a farmer does not believe that mastitis is currently a problem, or a threat to their herd, then they will not perceive the advice that follows to be relevant to their situation,” she said. “Records, data and benchmarks may be useful in influencing the degree of ‘perceived threat’. Similarly, the use of evidence for the effectiveness of the recommended course of action may improve the ‘belief of self-efficacy’,” said Ms McCoy.
She encouraged vets attending the Galway event to ask questions about the farmer’s goals, perceptions and previous experiences. She also recommended that livestock vet practices develop a communication strategy around mastitis control. “Have a common and consistent message. Create a demand for mastitis control services by offering them! Start with proactive and engaged farmers, who will then become positive advocates for what you can offer,” said Ms McCoy.
Meanwhile, Ms McCoy has also helped launch a new interactive CellCheck map, which is available online (www.cellcheck.ie), showing the locations of all service providers who have completed CellCheck Stage 2 Service Provider training.
To date, more than 70 CellCheck farmer workshops have been held nationwide with over 1,000 participating farmers. Many more workshops are planned for the coming months, and the programme is due to accelerate further in 2014, in advance of the removal of milk quotas in 2015.
