Over-the-counter sales of specific medically important livestock antibiotics in the United States will end June 11, 2023. These medications will still be available, but they’ll require veterinarian prescriptions going forward. Owners have remarked that it’s already difficult, or impossible, to source antibiotics used to treat their livestock. While it’s supply chain issues for some, for many, it’s a result of drug manufacturers following the Guidance for Industry (GFI) No. 263, which was issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 11, 2021.
Battling Antimicrobial Resistance
The FDA’s intent is to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to drugs also used in humans. It isn’t just limited to animals that’ll enter the food chain, but is also applicable to all livestock and companion animals. GFI No. 263 recommends that manufacturers of affected veterinary drugs voluntarily change their labels to reflect a new prescription-only status and obtain FDA approval prior to the 2023 effective date. Drugs that’ve been submitted for relabeling are listed on the FDA’s website, with status updates as they
