by Rick Machen, Ph.D.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directive Guidance for the Industry #263 is scheduled for implementation June 11, 2023. When the directive goes into effect, antibiotics used for treating animal illness or injury will only be available from veterinarians or a distributor with a pharmacy license (requires a veterinary prescription).
Local farm and feed stores may not have the infrastructure to meet the legal requirements of a pharmacy – the expertise to review veterinary authorized prescriptions and a system to track refills.
The Holiday Season is just ahead. Winter supplementation and haying will occupy time until spring. Then comes calving season and spring works. June 2023 will be here before we know it.
Be proactive and plan ahead. Livestock managers who do not have a valid vet-client-patient relationship should schedule an appointment with their large animal veterinarian soon. Expect to pay your veterinarian for their time as your animal health consultant.