By Ben Bennett, President, Australian Dairy Farmers
In some welcome news, Australian Dairy Farmers’ (ADF) work defending access to neomycin, one of the ingredients in the popular mastitis treatment Mastalone, has been successful.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has reaffirmed the registration of several neomycin-containing products, including Mastalone.
The decision ensures that Mastalone will remain available to Australia’s dairy farmers – a result that is both a victory for our industry and a testament to the power of collective advocacy.
As the national representative body for dairy farmers, ADF has long championed the need for practical, science-based regulation that supports both animal welfare and sustainable farming.
Mastalone is a vital tool in the treatment of clinical mastitis – a painful and economically damaging disease affecting dairy cows across the country.
For over 50 years, Mastalone has been relied upon by farmers. Its unique combination of active constituents offers a broader spectrum of activity than alternative products.
Of course, mastitis is a condition we aim to avoid altogether. Dairy farmers are committed to using antibiotics as little as possible, as often as necessary.
In an era where the responsible use of antibiotics is under increasing scrutiny, Mastalone stands out as the only intramammary product available in Australia that contains only antibiotics of low human health importance.
Its continued availability supports both effective animal health management and the broader goal of minimising the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
By maintaining access to Mastalone, the APVMA has recognised the importance of providing farmers with effective, low-risk options for mastitis treatment – options that help safeguard both animal welfare and public health.
The APVMA’s review process was rigorous, with a particular focus on the risks to trade from chemical residues.
ADF’s submission, supported by letters from across the industry, highlighted the dairy sector’s long and successful history of managing antimicrobial residues in milk and meat products.
Our industry’s established risk management procedures, coupled with farmers’ commitment to best practice, have ensured that Australian dairy products remain safe for consumers and trusted in markets around the world.
It is important to acknowledge the collective effort that led to this outcome.
The APVMA’s initial proposal to cancel Mastalone’s registration was met with strong, evidence-based advocacy from ADF and our member organisations.
We argued that removing a tried and tested, broad-spectrum, low-risk product would have left farmers with fewer, less effective options – potentially resulting in poorer animal welfare outcomes and increased reliance on antibiotics of higher importance to human health.
The support of industry partners, including those who provided letters backing our submission, was instrumental in demonstrating the depth of concern and the unity of purpose across the dairy sector.
This decision is not just a win for farmers; it is a win for science, for stewardship, and for the future of Australian agriculture.
It shows what can be achieved when industry stands together, speaks with one voice, and engages constructively with regulators.
On behalf of ADF, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this outcome, including Dairy Australia and those who provided letters of support.
Your input provided additional weight to our submission and helped secure a positive outcome for all Australian dairy farmers.
As we look ahead, ADF remains committed to advocating for policies that support productivity, sustainability, and the highest standards of animal health and welfare.
The reaffirmation of Mastalone’s registration is a reminder of the importance of vigilance, collaboration, and evidence-based advocacy in securing the tools our farmers need to thrive.