Table 3 Vignette, used in focus group session, describing a case scenario on prescription of veterinary antimicrobials

Joan routinely prescribes broad spectrum antibiotics (injectable and tubes) to a dairy farmer with a large herd of 300 animals in Co. Cork. The herd has a low record of somatic cell count (< 100,000 cells/mL). Every dry cow gets a tube and most cows are injected. “The preventive use of antibiotics has made this farm one of the best in Ireland – at the end that’s good for the animals, and cheaper for the farmer.”