The FDA is changing the rules. Right now, those medicines are available over the counter. But the FDA is combating a broader effort to fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a serious threat to animal and public health.
Sarah Esther explained how this change impacts her and the animals she raises.
“Primarily, we raise chickens, but I also have ducks and guinea fowl and goats,” Esther said.
She explained the new FDA rule called GFI 263.
“So I understand why they’re doing it. That we don’t need to just have any person medicating them without having a medical background,” Esther said.
Essentially, some animal antibiotics will switch from over-the-counter to prescription.
“They have a sick or an injured animal, so they just go to the store, they go pick it up. They don’t have to worry about having to call a vet and trying to get in for an appointment,” Esther said.
The FDA wants more oversight and they say veterinarians can help control doses and slow down anti-biotics resistance. Esther said this move adds another barrier.
Source: spectrumnews1.com
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Kentucky, Livestock