Ag Informer – Changes in Antibiotics

Livestock Producers Will Need Veterinary Approval for Antibiotics Beginning June 11

Those who treat animals with antibiotics will need to pay close attention to the calendar. Beginning June 11, all medically important antibiotics previously available over-the-counter (OTC) can only be purchased directly from a veterinarian or with a prescription.

The change is part of the Food and Drug Administration’s “Guidance for Industry #263” rule, which is part of the FDA’s five-year plan to enhance the stewardship of antibiotics, released in 2018. The same plan required the transfer of medically important feed and water antibiotics to veterinary feed directive (VFD) and prescription status in 2017.