By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Antibiotics that were available over the counter now require a veterinary prescription.

The rule change went into effect June 11.

It was part of a change that was first announced last year by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“This applies specifically to medically important antimicrobials. Those are essential to human medicine but also used to treat animals,” Tracy Tomascik, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said.

Antibiotics affected by the rule change include cephapirin and cephapirin benzathine, gentamicin, lincomycin, oxytetracycline, penicillin G, procaine and benzathine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine and tylosin.

These antibiotics require a prescription from a veterinarian licensed in the state where the animals are housed.

The labels will be required to read: “Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.”

“This means you need to work closely with your veterinarian to adjust how your farm accesses animal health products,” Tomascik said.

Tomascik stressed the importance of having a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) in order to access the antibiotics.

With a valid VCPR, veterinarians may make medical judgements and prescribe medications, including antimicrobials or antibiotics, for livestock if the veterinarian believes the owner will follow their instructions.

“A veterinarian is an invaluable partner in treating and managing illnesses and infections,” Tomascik said. “But more importantly, working with your veterinarian throughout the year will help minimize and prevent disease in your livestock.”

The rule does not impact the use of vaccines, dewormers, prebiotics, probiotics, ionophores, topical nonantibiotic treatments and nutritional supplements.

More information on the antibiotic guidance and a list of frequently asked questions is available at fda.gov/animal-veterinary.