A new rule coming down from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to take effect in June 2023 that will change certain antimicrobial drugs that were previously over-thecounter to prescription drugs. In a nutshell, the implications will be that if you have livestock or backyard livestock you will need a valid veterinarian- client-patient relationship (VCPR) in order to receive a prescription to purchase these drugs. A couple of examples of the drugs that will now require a prescription will be Penicillin G Benzathine and Oxytetracycline (LA 200).
According to the FDA, the goal of this initiative is to ensure judicious use of antimicrobial drugs in an effort to “assist farmers and ranchers to strengthen their stewardship efforts when using these drugs.” Additionally, the idea is to prevent, reduce, or stall antimicrobial resistance to these drugs. Therefore, this rule in practice will allow for livestock animals to receive the medications needed, but not more or less than they need. Similar efforts have been made with pesticide usage by labeling pesticides either restricted use pesticide or general use pesticides. Restricted use pesticides require a license in order to purchase, apply or apply under the supervision of a license holder, and general use pesticides can simply be purchased without a license. The idea is the same in ensuring that proper care in taken in usage in accordance to the label. Just like with human antimicrobials, the bacteria meant to be treated can develop resistance to the antibiotics being given, and this new rule is meant to prevent that from happening.
Between now and its implementation in mid-June, if you have livestock then it would be beneficial to reach out and begin setting up the VCPR if you do not have one with a veterinarian already. This does not mean that everyone should storm the closest veterinary clinic in a panic because there will still be antibiotics not labeled for prescription available after the start of the rule change until the supply runs out. On the other hand, it does mean that if you will be affected by this rule change it is probably best not to wait until the last minute to establish that relationship with a veterinarian. For more information, please visit www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/ safety-health/ antimicrobial-resistance.
As always, if you have any questions regarding agricultural related topics, please contact the Extension office by phone at 478-986-3958 or email brennan4@uga. edu.
