Sheep Industry News June 2023

Are You Ready for the Changes to Over-the-Counter Antibiotics?

ERICA SANKO Director of Analytics & Production Programs O over-the-counter to prescription only. This is part of FDA’s effort to combat antimicrobial resistance by promoting the judicious use of medically important antimicrobials in animals. This means some products – such as injectable penicillin and oxytetracycline (LA-200) – will re quire a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. This does not mean you are required to purchase these products from a veterinarian, just that you need a prescription to purchase from your retail or online supplier. This guidance does not affect dewormers or vaccines.

this publication. A VCPR is a formal relationship that you have with a veterinarian who serves as your primary contact for all veterinary services and is familiar with you, your sheep and your operation. To continue using medically important antimicrobials, you will need to establish a VCPR with your veterinarian.

n June 11, FDA’s Guidance for Industry #263 will go into effect, which means the marketing status for certain medically important antimicrobial drugs will move from

Keeping track of which sheep have been treat ed with antibiotics will be important as you work with your veterinarian. Ask your veterinarian for a record form that you can use to keep track of the sheep that are treated with antibiotics. You might want to consider including vaccinations and dewormer treatments as this information can help you and your veterinarian make decisions to improve the health and wellbeing of your animals. To ensure you are ready for this change, contact your veterinarian to discuss how to move

forward. Scan the QR Code to find information on the ASI website including frequently asked questions, a list of which products will be impacted, resources on antibiotic stewardship and an option to search for a veterinarian in your area. We’re committed to you. The rancher, the family and the flock. We partner with you to protect and nurture the American lamb industry so that together we can provide consumers a quality lamb product.

If you have not already established a veterinary-client-patient relationship with a veterinarian, now is the time to develop that relationship as this guidance will be in effect shortly after the time of COMPLETELY UPDATED Sheep Production Handbook Fully Searchable USB

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June 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 13