The Early and Accurate Disease Detection in Dairy Cattle program, developed by the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has been recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This free bilingual online training course aims to help dairy workers identify sick cows promptly, addressing a critical need in the industry.
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Chosen from approximately 340 global applicants for the FAO's One Health in Agrifood Systems recognition initiative, the program highlights innovative projects that enhance health across human, animal, and environmental domains. Dr. Richard Pereira, the lead of the program, presented its merits at the FAO Global Conference for Actions on One Health in Agrifood Systems, which took place from September 21 to 23 in Rome.
Dr. Pereira emphasized the significance of dairy workers in detecting diseases early. He pointed out that these individuals, who interact with the cows daily, make crucial decisions that can impact animal recovery, farm profitability, and responsible antibiotic usage. He noted that high-quality, interactive training for these workers is often scarce, which can have severe implications for animal welfare and public health.
The course comprises six research-based modules covering topics such as antibiotic resistance, visual disease identification, lameness, mastitis, metritis, and treatment protocols. Available in both English and Spanish, the program is designed for dairy workers, managers, and veterinarians, catering to the needs of a diverse workforce.
This curriculum is accessible via phone, tablet, or computer, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and incorporate discussions and practical, cow-side teaching with veterinarians or experienced farm employees. The training was developed in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension and dairy industry partners.
Since its launch in 2025, the program has seen thousands of visits, with over 100 individuals completing the course and earning certificates. Dr. Pereira described the training as scalable and adaptable for dairy workers globally. The FAO recognized the program's potential to enhance the One Health workforce, improve animal care, and promote responsible antibiotic use.
For veterinarians, this program represents a significant advantage, as well-trained farm teams can alert them to health issues more quickly and ensure consistent treatment practices. Pereira emphasized that initiatives like this exemplify the One Health approach, benefiting animal health, people, and the food system simultaneously.
The online course is available through the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine, underscoring the importance of equipping dairy workers with the skills needed to effectively monitor animal health.