FDA issues order restricting antimicrobial drug use in animals
The FDA has issued an order to restrict the use of cephalosporin antibiotics, which are given to some cattle, swine, chickens and turkeys before slaughter.
Under the new restrictions extralabel drug use (ELDU) of cephalosporins will only be allowed for use to treat or control, but not prevent a disease, and must be used at the labeled dose, frequency, duration and route of administration approved for that species and production class. These new restrictions apply to major species, while ELDU use is permitted for minor species.
Today’s ruling significantly revises a 2008 rule by FDA that prohibited all ELDU uses of cephalosporins and was later withdrawn.
Cephalosporin antibiotics are used to treat pneumonia, skin infections and meningitis, among other diseases, in humans.
The final rule was published in the January 2, 2012 Federal Register with a comment period that closes March 6, 2012.
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