CALF_News_August_September_2019

30 CALF News • August | September 2019 • www.calfnews.net Continued on page 36  R epresentatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Costco Wholesale and multiple animal health experts spent the day with a group of southwest Kansas cattle producers, sharing their knowledge, experience and opinions about the significance of the topic at hand. After Bob Smith, DVM, welcomed the guests, and the presentations began, the “wrong math class” feeling subsided and was replaced by a feeling of relief and realiza- tion that this was actually going to be a productive meeting of peers, who were able to ask questions, share viewpoints and discuss complex and controversial industry topics with qualified individuals. Considering all the controversy surrounding the use of antimicrobial products in food animals, antibiotic resistance and how that directly affects the food animal pro- ducers around the country, this forum brought valuable information and insight. TimWhalquist from Costco Wholesale shared the retailer’s perspective about antibiotic use in animals, offering a view of the opposite end of the supply chain and how retailers are facing the challenges of not only pleasing the consumer, but ensur- ing a sustainable supply of a quality product. William Flynn, DVM, talked about the FDA’s five-year year plan to support antimicrobial stewardship, stating that the FDA is making efforts to promote and assist in implementing judicious use of antimicrobials in food animal production as well as supporting and emphasizing enhanced monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and drug use. Sara Steinlage, DVM, Elanco chief veterinary officer, raised eyebrows as she spoke about her experiences with poultry produc- tion and Elanco that has helped her understand how important it is to educate food animal producers about prioritizing animal health over public policy and responsible antibiotic use. Dave Sjeklocha, DVM, Cattle Empire, discussed precision technology implementation to optimize antimicrobial use in feedlot production. A panel discussed policy, traceability and food security. Panelists were Kathy Simmons, DVM, National Cattlemen’s Beef Associa- tion chief veterinarian; Brad White, DVM, Kansas State Univer- sity School of Veterinary Medicine; and Sarah Tomlinson, DVM, executive director of USDA Veterinary Services’ Strategy and Policy Unit. Hosts Antimicrobial Discussion Hy-Plains Education and Research Center By Katie Prewitt Contributing Editor On Thursday, June 20, 2019, the Hy-Plains Education and Research Center hosted an important and informative discussion at their facility in Montezuma, Kan. The topic of the day was “Appropriate Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship.” The stellar line-up of presenters made it feel as though you had accidentally stepped into the wrong math class. Dr. Sara Steubkage DVM, gives her presentation at Hy-Plains Education and Research Center. BELOW: Tim Wahlquist from Costco Whole Sale addresses the audience at Hy-Plains Education and Research Center.