Dairy Training Program Earns Global One Health Recognition
A free bilingual training program developed by the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine has received global recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
The Early and Accurate Disease Detection in Dairy Cattle program was selected for FAO’s “One Health in Agrifood Systems” recognition initiative from approximately 340 applications worldwide. The initiative recognizes practical, innovative approaches that advance the health of people, animals, plants and the environment.
Dr. Richard Pereira, an associate professor at the UC Davis Weill School and the program’s lead, represented the project at the FAO Global Conference for Actions on One Health in Agrifood Systems, held Sept. 21–23 at FAO headquarters in Rome. He also delivered an innovation pitch during the main plenary session, “Pitch to Scale: One Health Innovations in Action.”
“Every day, dairy workers make rapid decisions that determine whether disease is detected early, animals receive appropriate care, and antimicrobial drugs are used responsibly,” Pereira said during his presentation. “Yet access to high-quality, practical and interactive training to improve disease detection on the farm remains limited.”
Created specifically for dairy workers, managers and veterinarians, the free online course is available in English and Spanish. Its six research-based modules cover antibiotic resistance, visual examinations for disease identification, lameness, mastitis, metritis and treatment protocol concepts. Participants who complete all six modules receive a certificate.
The flexible curriculum can be accessed by phone, tablet or computer. It is designed to be reinforced through discussions and hands-on, cow-side instruction led by a veterinarian or experienced farm employee, allowing farms to connect the lessons with their own protocols for disease identification, treatment decisions and drug administration.
The program was developed by UC Davis and Ohio State with contributions from UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and dairy industry partners. It draws on field studies, input from farmworkers and animal health experts, and findings published in peer-reviewed research.
“Since its launch in 2025, the program has received thousands of visits, and more than 100 participants have earned full course certificates,” Pereira told conference attendees. “This resource is free, scalable and ready for global adoption.”
FAO recognized the program for its potential to strengthen the frontline One Health workforce while improving animal care and supporting responsible antimicrobial use.
Pereira used his pitch to invite additional partners to help adapt and expand the training for dairy workers around the world.
Learn more and access the free training program in English or Spanish.
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