National study will look at U.S. cattle health management
An upcoming study will assess current trends in cattle health management practices on U.S. feedlots.
From March through August 2021, USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System will conduct the study, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Statistics Service, focusing on cattle health and management on U.S. feedlots with at least 50 head.
According to USDA, the study will:
- Describe health management practices on feedlots with at least 50 head.
- Estimate the prevalence of important feedlot cattle diseases.
- Describe antibiotic use and stewardship practices on U.S. feedlots.
- Describe trends in feedlot cattle health management practices and important feedlot cattle diseases.
Representatives from NASS will visit participating operations in March and April to complete a questionnaire. If participants choose to continue, USDA or state veterinary health professionals will visit feedlots from June through August to complete a second questionnaire.
Among other things, USDA says this study will aid in understanding disease preparedness strengths and vulnerabilities, help inform policy decisions, and identify research and development needs related to feedlot cattle health.
