Sheep Industry News September 2022

Prepare Now For Changes Coming From FDA in 2023

T he U.S. Food and Drug Administration is changing the status of all medically important antibiotics used in animals, which are currently available over the counter. As of June 2023, these over-the-counter products – currently available at most feed or farm supply stores – will require veterinary oversight and a written prescription for their purchase and use in animals, even if the animals are not intended for food production. The FDA's goal is to slow the emergence of antibiotic resistance in humans and animals. Manufacturers are in the process of relabeling their products to meet this requirement and, as these labels change, the products will no longer be available unless prescribed by a veterinarian. The process must be completed by June 2023. Producers are encouraged to begin preparing for this change now. The first thing producers can do is establish a veterinarian-client-patient

Veterinarian and sheep producer Jill Swannack of Washington state says it's important for produc ers to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship now. Capital Press photo.

they use? Things like that all have to be factored into any diagnosis." She encourages producers – and their veterinarians, if they have one – to begin planning long before an emergency happens. She recommends spending time with your veterinarian at your farm or ranch so you can provide them with a good understanding of your production practices. Then, when that urgent call comes in, your veterinarian has knowledge of how your sheep are raised and is able to ask more pertinent and specific questions, allowing for a more timely and accurate diagnosis and decision as to whether an in-person visit is necessary. If the veterinarian has never been to your operation or seen your animals, they will be required to make a farm visit to see the animal before prescribing any antimicrobial. Asked if she is concerned about being "swamped" with calls after the regulation takes effect, Swannack says she is already there. Es tablished clients are likely to get priority, she admits, which is why she encourages producers to plan ahead now. She knows the changes are upsetting, but believes in the long run it will be better for sheep production in the United States. "We hear those vets just want these drugs to be prescription only to generate more business," Swannack says. “But frankly, I don't need more business – I'm busy enough as it is – but I also don't want to see our producers go out of business. I want to help in any way I can. The best way I can do that is to have a good understand ing early on of my clients' production practices and an idea of what

relationship and begin planning for their needs as the June 2023 date approaches. If a veterinarian relationship is already established, producers should discuss the changes and their needs with their veterinarian. ASI reached out to Dr. Jill Swannack – a long time ASI member and small ruminant veterinarian in Washington state – for her insights on how to make the transition as smooth as possible for producers and veterinarians alike. "The most common question I get from producers is ‘what hap pens if I have sick sheep, need an antibiotic and the vet can't come for 36 hours, or one isn't available?'" says Swannack. “This certainly is a concern, and establishing your relationship with the veterinar ian long before that situation occurs will help reduce the impact of these new regulations." Without an established VCPR, there will be a delay in obtaining needed antimicrobial products, especially during those times of year where everyone is in need, such as during lambing. "If I don't know the producer or what his or her operation is like, in order for us to establish a VCPR, I am required to go out to the farm or ranch and see the animals," says Swannack. "A video shot from a phone will not cut it. I legally need to be familiar with their operation and husbandry practices, and the condition of the ani mals. What type of nutrition are they getting? What mineral mix do

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