The document outlines perspectives on antibiotic use in dairy production from various stakeholders. The dairy farmer and organic dairy farmer perspectives emphasize the importance of antibiotic treatment for animal health and welfare. The medical doctor dismisses concerns that antibiotic residues in milk lead to human antibiotic resistance, noting federal guidelines and testing. Overall it recommends improving animal health to reduce antibiotic need while following regulations.

1. The use of antibiotics in dairy production
from my point of view…
#1 - Dairy Farmer
• If one of my cows gets sick, I can use antibiotics to
overcome a bacterial infection. Providing this medical care
when needed improves overall comfort and animal
welfare on my farm.
• Cows who can be treated with antibiotics when necessary
can live a longer productive life as a milk cow.
• Milk from a cow treated with antibiotics never enters the
food system. If a cow is treated with antibiotics during
lactation, the milk is discarded for a specific withdrawal
time until all residue is eliminated. All milk is tested for
antibiotic residue before processing.

2. The use of antibiotics in dairy production
from my point of view…
#2 – Organic Dairy Farmer
• To qualify my farm as “USDA Organic” I cannot use
antibiotics to treat bacterial infections in my cattle. By
choosing this production style, I receive a higher premium
for my milk.
• Following organic requirements increases my production
costs. For example if one of my cows gets mastitis or
another bacterial infection requiring antibiotic treatment,
she can never return to the organic milk herd. However,
the higher premium makes it worth it.
• Some consumers prefer milk from cows that cannot be
treated with antibiotics. I can select my management
practices based on this consumer demand.

3. The use of antibiotics in dairy production
from my point of view…
#3 – Mother of Young Children
• My children drink a lot of milk. I heard that they could
develop a resistance to human antibiotics from drinking
milk from cows who were treated with antibiotics.
• I don’t want dairy farmers to use antibiotics.

4. The use of antibiotics in dairy production
from my point of view…
#4 – Medical Doctor
• Any resistance people develop to antibiotics is a result of
taking too many antibiotics themselves, not a result of
consuming meat or dairy products from animals who may
have been treated with antibiotics at some point in their
life.
• Federal guidelines monitor milk for antibiotic residue to
ensure it is never in the milk we drink.
• From a health standpoint, the risks of not consuming
adequate nutrients that are abundant in dairy products
(protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals) far outweighs
the risk of developing a resistance to antibiotics.

5. The use of antibiotics in dairy production
from my point of view…
#5 – Milk Processor
• We are careful to only sell food that has been approved as
wholesome and safe.
• As food safety experts, federal and state agencies establish
guidelines for farms and processing companies. Every
truck of milk we receive is tested for antibiotic residue. It
is discarded if a residue is found.
• In addition to following state and federal regulations, we
also aim to produce a food product that meets the demand
of consumers.

6. The use of antibiotics in dairy production
from my point of view…
#6 – Veterinarian
• Antibiotic residues are not found in commercially
processed milk and research has shown that consuming
meat and milk does not increase likelihood of antibiotic
resistance in humans. However, research does show that
efforts in human medicine and veterinary medicine
should improve to decrease the overall use of antibiotics.
• Looking at the whole picture, improving animal health and
hygiene to prevent the need for antibiotics is
recommended.
• Improving biosecurity, following recommended
vaccination programs, and using alternatives to antibiotics
when possible are all measures farmers can take to
decrease chances of developing antibiotic resistance.