Surveys & Studies

Surveys and Studies is the section of AUS that helps the program to better understand antimicrobial usage and resistance actually occurring in California’s livestock. To accomplish this, Surveys and Studies conducts confidential, voluntary surveys and gathers biological samples for resistance testing. By participating in these surveys, Californian livestock producers and veterinarians have the opportunity to show the real picture of the industry and effect positive change. And rest assured, all individual survey responses provided to AUS Surveys and Studies are held confidential by state law.

Current Opportunities to Participate

UC Davis Aquaculture Cooperative Extension Survey for Aquaculture Producers

The CDFA AUS program has worked with UC Davis Aquaculture Cooperative Extension experts to develop a survey that is being administered statewide to all aquaculture sectors, including state-run hatcheries. The aquaculture industry in California is diverse and this survey collects comprehensive data on disease challenges across the different sectors, including management practices pertaining to animal health, biosecurity protocols, and antibiotic use practices. Data collected from producers through this survey is held confidential. In addition to the survey responses, a review of literature, and input from an expert work group, will be used to develop antibiotic stewardship guidelines to assist producers in making informed decisions regarding antibiotic use on their farms. For more information, or to elect to participate, please contact Alex Wright at axwright@ucdavis.edu.

Past Opportunities to Participate

USDA NAHMS Feedlot 2021 Study

From March 2021 through August 2021, the USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), in collaboration with the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), will conduct a nation-wide, voluntary study focusing on cattle health and management on U.S. feedlots with at least 50 head. The NAHMS Health Management on U.S. Feedlots 2021 study is designed to provide a snapshot of current feedlot cattle health management practices.

In general, NAHMS studies provide findings applicable on a national or regional level. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is collaborating with NAHMS to expand the study in California to allow the state’s feedlot industry the opportunity to be represented in a way that will yield state-level findings.

CDFA encourages any feedlot producer contacted by NASS or NAHMS with a request to participate in this study to please do so. This is an opportunity to let your voice be heard. The findings from this study will help shape future research and focus attention to industry issues and needs. For more information: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/monitoring-and-surveillance/nahms/NAHMS_Feedlot_Studies

Informational video about the study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njf3UnNj8kE&feature=youtu.be

USDA NAHMS Swine 2021 Study

From May 2021 through January 2022, the USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), in collaboration with the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), will conduct a nation-wide, voluntary study of U.S. swine operations. California was selected to participate in the small enterprise swine operation (fewer than 1,000 pigs) component that will provide new information regarding animal health and management practices used on these operations, as well as the alternative marketing strategies they implement.

CDFA encourages any swine producer contacted by NASS or NAHMS with a request to participate in this study to please do so. This is an opportunity to let your voice be heard. The findings from this study will help shape future research and focus attention to industry issues and needs. For more information: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/monitoring-and-surveillance/nahms/NAHMS_Swine_Studies

USDA NAHMS Goat 2019 Study

California’s participation in the USDA NAHMS Goat 2019 Study has come to an end. A special thank you to all who participated and contributed to the study! The information provided from the results of this study will help guide the priorities for future goat research and program opportunities. For future survey results from this study or more information, please visit the USDA NAHMS Goat 2019 Study web page.

Highlights from AUS Studies

AUS Fact Sheets – 2017 Cow Calf Survey: Summary findings from AUS’ 2017 survey of antibiotic use and stewardship on California’s cow calf operations.
2017 Cow Calf Survey | Español: Encuesta de Terneros 2017

AUS Fact Sheets – 2018 Commercial Sheep Survey: Summary findings from AUS’ 2018 survey of antibiotic use and stewardship on California’s commercial sheep operations.
2018 Commercial Sheep Survey | Español: Encuesta de Ovejas Comerciales 2018

Get Involved

AUS Surveys & Studies Trifold
The who, what, why and how the AUS program is collecting information on California animal agriculture and what you can do to help.

AUS Surveys & Studies Participation Flier
Why should California livestock owners participate in efforts to gather information?

Partner with AUS

AUS Project Pre-Proposal Checklist
If you are a researcher looking for support from the AUS program on a project aligning with AUS’ goals, please use this Checklist to create a pre-proposal for AUS review. The AUS program has an iterative process for reviewing project proposals, prioritizing funding, and developing project agreements. Submission of a Project Pre-Proposal does not guarantee the AUS program will move ahead with or fund a project.

Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship