Integrated dairy herd health management as the basis for prevention

Abstract

The traditional role of the veterinarian as the healer of individual sick cows has been complemented by the delivery of integrated health programmes concentrating on the prevention of diseases and the performance of the dairy herd. Modern animal health care requires excellent housing facilities and a close cooperation between a competent veterinarian and a skilled farmer/manager. An integrated herd health programme plays a key role in preventing diseases. This will improve animal health and welfare and guarantee a high quality and wholesomeness of foods from animal origin. Nevertheless medicines remain necessary, but must be administered under strict controlled conditions.