Taranaki Veterinary Centre (TVC) has taken out New Zealand Food Safety’s inaugural Antimicrobial Resistance Award thanks to their concerted efforts to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in cows under their care.
AMR happens when germs (bacteria, fungi, or viruses) no longer respond to medicines. Resistant germs can spread between humans, animals, plants and the environment.
“If not properly managed, this can lead to devastating outcomes for our health, the welfare of our animals, and our economy. It is ranked by the World Health Organization (WHO) among the top 10 threats to humans and animals,” says New Zealand Food Safety’s deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
“As we mark World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) which runs 18 to 24 November 2025, it’s a good time to stop and acknowledge New Zealanders making a difference to materially reduce AMR.”
Established in May 2025, the AMR Award recognises individuals, teams, or organisations making a real difference in reducing AMR risks in New Zealand. This includes using antibiotics responsibly, preventing infections, or finding new ways to reduce antibiotic use.
The inaugural award winner, TVC’s dairy team, services around 500 dairy farms (about 175,000 calving cows) based out of 5 clinics in South and Central Taranaki.
“They have demonstrated a strong leadership in their commitment to reducing antibiotic use in their practice,” says Mr Arbuckle.
“These efforts started in 2022 and have led to a major behavioural change in staff and clients. They’ve achieved a significant reduction in the use of critical medicines, and a reduction in whole-herd dry-cow antibiotic use in their clients’ herds.”
“I would like to extend my congratulations to the team at TVC for their leading example, showing what can be done when focussing on antibiotic stewardship.”
“We are impressed with the calibre of all award nominations and were pleased to see the hard work and dedication that individuals and organisations have committed in addressing this important issue,” says Mr Arbuckle.
If you have pets or animals on a lifestyle block or farm, there are things you can do to join the fight against AMR:
- Keep your animal healthy and active to help reduce antibiotic use.
- Vaccinate animals to help prevent disease and reduce the need for antibiotics.
- Seek veterinary advice early if you notice changes in your animals.
- Always follow your vet's instructions when your animal needs antibiotics and ask for help if you are having trouble giving them. Finish the course, don't save unused antibiotics for next time.
“Together, we can further reduce AMR and protect plant, animal and human health for current and future generations,” says Mr Arbuckle.
For more information, email: NZFoodSafety_media@mpi.govt.nz
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