Dry Cow Antibiotics: What’s Changing in NZ from 1 January 2027?

New professional standards from the Veterinary Council of New Zealand will change how antibiotic dry cow therapy is authorised. At this stage it is looking likely that this will shift from ‘you should’ to ‘you must’ justify each individual cow that receives dry cow antibiotics. This will likely be enforced from the 1^st of January 2027.

What justifies individual dry cow?

-          Individual herd test data showing SCC >150,000

-          History of clinical mastitis throughout that lactation

-          Individual RMT results prior to dry off

-          Teat end condition: rough teat ends or warts

We recommend that all cows receive internal teat sealant to decrease the risk of new infections through the dry period. Those that don’t warrant dry cow antibiotics should receive internal teat sealant only.

Does this mean I can’t blanket dry cow?

-          Yes, generally this means you can no longer use blanket dry cow therapy. However, there are some situations where it will be warranted.

Antibiotics remain an important tool, but they must only be used where there is clear clinical justification.

What justifies blanket dry cow?

-          BTSCC  >250,000 for 30 days prior to dry off

-          Herdwide teat end damage

-          Veterinarian justification that there are potential animal welfare implications

-          Various other justifications on a case-by-case basis

Farmers that qualify for blanket dry cow will then need to follow a mastitis/udder health improvement plan throughout the following year to reduce the mastitis risk.

Why should I do selective?

-          Reduce cost of using unwarranted dry cow antibiotics

-          Slow the development of antimicrobial resistance

How do I stop my cows getting dry cow mastitis without antibiotics?

-          Clean application of the product – use of gloves, teat wipes, good technique and teat spray after.

-          Dry your cows down – restrict diet before and after drying off to aim for production less than 1kg MS/cow/day.

-          Clean environment – keep dry cows in clean dry paddocks through the risk period directly after drying off.

Now is the ideal time to consider how this new legislation impacts you as it gives you enough time to plan. We are here to help; at your Milk Quality Consult you can discuss these changes. If you have any other questions please get in touch.