Heinzpeter Schwermer

Introduction The prevention of mastitis remains a priority for the global dairy industry since it has serious welfare and economic ramifications (1–3). In addition, despite a reduction in overall use of clinical mastitis and antibiotic use across the dairy sector, dry cow therapy treatments remain the largest contributors to the industry’s antibiotic usage (2, 4, 5).

1. Introduction Airborne transmission of infectious agents has been documented or suspected for many years (1), and airborne pathogens cause some of the most devastating, costly, and difficult-to-control diseases. Examples of airborne pathogens in humans include Mycobacterium tuberculosis, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza virus (2–4).

Introduction Dogs with allergic or atopic dermatitis suffer concurrent skin and ear infections (1–3). Staphylococci, in particular, have increased adherence to inflamed and atopic skin (4, 5). Treatment often requires topical and/or systemic antimicrobial therapy (2, 6), but this must adhere to the principles of judicious antimicrobial use. Antimicrobial stewardship can be aided by the use of treatments that reduce the need for antimicrobials when treating allergic skin disease (6).