O-T-C livestock antibiotics to be banned

Many over-the-counter livestock antibiotics will soon require a prescription from a veterinarian.

On June 11, 2023, FDA regulations will require a veterinary prescription for all medically important antibiotics – those used in human and veterinary medicine – that are currently available over the counter at feed stores, co-ops and other sellers. Only four percent of medically important antibiotics are currently marketed as OTC products for food-producing and companion animals, and those products will require a veterinary prescription. Livestock producers must develop a Veterinary Client Patient Relationship with a veterinarian to have access to these antibiotics. This relationship is like an established relationship with human health care provider. These antibiotics include injectable penicillin, oxytetracyclines, and tylosin. Also included are oral sulfa boluses and antibiotics infused into the udder This change will not apply to most fly control or deworming products. Most vaccines, dewormers, injectable and oral nutritional supplements, ionophores, pro/ prebiotics, and topical nonantibiotic treatments will not require a veterinary prescription.

The producer must adhere to all label instructions, to include dose, route of injection, withdrawal time (the time between treatment sale or slaughter of the animal).

The FDA believes veterinarians have specialized scientific and clinical training and practical experience that can help guide the judicious use of antimicrobials. FDA believes good antimicrobial stewardship practices in animals helps slow the development of antimicrobial resistance and preserve the effectiveness of these drugs in both humans and animals.