Have you wondered why an illness disappears after treatment, only to return days later and become difficult to control? Incomplete treatment may contribute significantly.

When antibiotics are prescribed, farmers should follow the veterinarian’s instructions carefully regarding dosage, frequency, and duration. Stopping treatment simply because symptoms disappear can be risky.

Some farmers reduce treatment days or doses to save medication, believing the animal has recovered. However, inadequate treatment may allow surviving bacteria to persist. Follow instructions.

Using less medication than prescribed can also reduce treatment effectiveness and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Proper dosing protects individual animals and supports herd health. Dose responsibly.

Farmers should avoid self-prescribing antibiotics and seek professional veterinary guidance when animals become sick. Correct diagnosis matters because not every illness requires antibiotics. Diagnose before treating.

Protecting herd health requires discipline, observation, and responsible medicine use. Complete the prescribed treatment unless your veterinarian advises otherwise, helping safeguard animals and future treatments. Stay responsible.

Abdullah Opeyemi Akande
B.Agric. (FUNAAB)
GAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Animal Sci. (UI)
RAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Int’l Business (UU, UK)
Ph.D. in view