Summer 2023 Antibiotic Changes AKA FDA Guidance #263

I have had many great questions on the upcoming changes next summer. Below is a piece I put together for a meeting I had with the Tri-County Cattleman’s Association in Septemer 2022.

TLDR: Things are changing and antibiotics won’t be on the shelves at some stores Summer 2023.  See below for more details, and contact your veterinarian to express anger and frustration about things production veterinarians can’t control. 

A Short Time Line:

1) In 2017 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began implementing the Guidance for the Industry #213 otherwise known as the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). 

-What I read: I have to know what about crumbles and honey bees now?

-What you read: Stupid veterinarians just want more money.  Just another cost!

-What I learned: Wait you were using crumbles the WHOLE time, even when not sick?

2) Guidance #263 is slated for final implementation on June 11, 2023 removing OTC antibiotics.               

                -What I read: So now I have to write more prescriptions and/or have more inventory.

                -What you read: Why am I still farming, I can’t afford this sh*t. I know how to treat a sick animal.

              -What I learned: To be determined

Why is this happening?

The FDA's broader effort to combat antimicrobial resistance, a serious threat to animal and public health. The increasing threat of antibiotic resistance (antimicrobial resistance) to both human and animal health compelled the FDA to take action.

What does this all mean for me Doc?

You get to invite a veterinarian to your farm at least once a year to form a Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR).  But be careful, you may realize we are not horrible people and you may benefit from the visit more than you would expect.  If you already have a vet out routinely (preg checking, vaccinating, consulting), really nothing changes except for where you might get your medications.  

You do not have to purchase products from a veterinarian, but you will be required to get a prescription from a licensed veterinarian before purchasing. The producer must have a VCPR with the veterinarian that is writing said prescription.

Per MN Board of Veterinary Medicine as of Sept 2022: A valid VCPR will require a physical examination or visit to the premises within the preceding 12 months.  VCPRs cannot be established virtually.

So what all will I not be able to get anymore?

Some of the more familiar products going to prescription summer of 2023:

Oxytetracycline (LA200, Terramycin Scour tabs), Penicillin (injectable and mastitis tubes), Sulfa (Sulfmed 40%, Albon boluses, Sustain III tabs), Tylosin (Tylan), Cephapirin (Today/Tommorow mastitis tubes), Lincomycin (Lincomix), and Gentamicin (Garasol).

Products unaffected by the change include ionophores (rumensin, deccox, bovatec); antiparaciticides (Ivermectin, Valbazen, Cydectin); injectable and oral supplements (Vitamin B, Iron); oral pro/prebiotics; and topical non-antibiotic treatments.  Large animal vaccines will also continue to be available over the counter.

Hopefully this gives everyone a little more understanding and what to expect. If you already work with a veterinarian routinely, the only thing changing is where you will get some of your prescription medications. If you do not work with a vet routinely, I’d recommend reaching out sooner rather than later, as many areas of Minnesota, and the rest of the country matter of fact, are experiencing a major production medicine veterinary shortage (Topic for another day I suppose?).

When the VFD rules went into effect I was a skeptic, but learned quickly that how those products were used on a small percentage of farms (like anything there are always a few bad apples) was done incorrectly.

Most (OK all) of the producers out there will be upset about this change. Honestly, I am welcoming this change with wide open arms. My gut feeling is that this will open up talks with many producers about preventative medicine. In turn, hopefully doing so reduces the use of antibiotics because of healthier animals, leading to reduced cost of production, increased consumer trust, and launching a new era of animal agriculture. When I talk to company reps, I tell them all the time I don’t need new antibiotics, I need new ways to keep these amazing animals healthy to start with. This might also push research in this department if antibiotic sales drop.

I understand the concerns though. If a producer is unable to have easy access to medications when it is needed, it can mean the literal difference between life and death and animal suffering. Also, often if you call to get a veterinarian out it likely won’t be same day. People more familiar with companions animals need to remember that they are, for the majority, predators and show problems faster. My dog steps on a blade of grass wrong, he limps. In the production animal world, I’m dealing with pray species that have adapted over time to not show weakness so as the predator looks elsewhere. Mike’s cow steps on a rock, forms a sole abscess that eats the entire bottom of the claw, but wont show lameness until the rest of her leg swells up a week later. That’s why by the time most producers notice there is a problem, it’s a big problem that “can’t wait till tomorrow doc”.

That is why I’m trying to get this info out, so that when you need that antibiotic, you either have it or know how to get it in a timely fashion. I have not met a producer that doesn’t care about their animals. Their livestock are a sense of pride, hope, and income, and I don’t want any of them to feel like this is just another slap in the face. Even though I have my doubts that making this change in the livestock industry will make much of a dent in the number of cases of antibiotic resistance that MDs are facing in the human world, antibiotic resistance is still a real problem even in the veterinary world. Lets all work together to make healthier populations, animal and human. But it all starts with a phone call to a veterinarian you can work with.

FDAs frequently asked questions link if you are into that kind of thing:

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/judicious-use-antimicrobials/gfi-263-frequently-asked-questions-farmers-and-ranchers

Until next time - Here’s hoping for a bumper crop season and lots of pregnant critters!