By Julie Tomascik
Editor

The remaining over-the-counter antibiotics for livestock and companion animals will soon require a prescription.

Starting June 11, the use of all medically important antimicrobials will require veterinary oversight.

This upcoming change was first announced last year by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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

Many over-the-counter antibiotics used in animal feed and drinking water moved to Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) or prescription status in 2017, when the FDA first enacted VFDs for closer veterinarian oversight of antimicrobial use in food animals.

But a few antibiotics remained available over the counter in the form of injectables, intramammary tubes and boluses, according to Tomascik.

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

“After June 11, producers will need a prescription for these medications, and they will need to be purchased directly from a veterinarian or a distributor allowed to sell prescription drugs,” Tomascik said.

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

“Ranchers should take an inventory of the medicines they are currently using and determine which of those will be impacted by the rule change. For those who are in more remote areas, it will be extremely important to identify where those antibiotics can be purchased going forward,” Tomascik said.

It is not recommended to stock up on products prior to the change, because animal health products have expiration dates and are sensitive to storage conditions and time.

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.