The End of Over-The-Counter Antibiotics

In 2017 there was a significant change in how antibiotic feed was sold and distributed to animals. The Veterinary Feed Directive of 2017 placed in-feed and water-soluble medications directly under the supervision of veterinarians and out of the hands of the producers. Medicated feeds such as Aureomycin became regulated, and over-the-counter distribution was stopped. In 2023, under the FDA’s Guidance for Industry (GFI) number 263, all other over-the-counter antibiotics will also become prescriptions. The end of over-the-counter antibiotics for livestock will occur on June 11th, 2023. Learn more about what this means for your farm here!

Over-The-Counter Antibiotic Deadline

According to the FDA, “In June 2023, all medically important antibiotics previously available over the counter will require a prescription from a veterinarian for legal use in animals”. This action’s precise deadline will be June 11th, 2023. This includes but is not limited to injectable, intramammary, and bolus antibiotics. This includes antibiotics for all animals, both production and companion, so if you were hoping for a workaround, it’s not going to happen. This is the end of over-the-counter antibiotics. 

Over-The-Counter Antibiotics are Going Away Now

You might think, “OK, I’ve got time to purchase antibiotics until June 2023”. I advise the reader to purchase any antibiotics as soon as possible. Why is this? The label for all over-the-counter antibiotics must be changed to state, “Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.” What does this mean for the consumer? It would be best if you planned on seeing antibiotics slowly running out in most retailers starting immediately. 

No retailer wants to sit on large quantities of drugs they cannot legally sell. This will incentivize retailers to sell existing inventories of these medications without re-ordering.

Tim Ventrello

Antibiotic Prescription Deadline and Retailers

Retailers such as Rural King, Tractor Supply, and others purchase large quantities of medications from manufacturers. This allows retailers to negotiate lower prices and ensure they have a reliable amount of much-needed medicines. Once these medications become prescribed in June 2023, retailers will no longer be able to sell them in their stores. No retailer wants to sit on large quantities of drugs they cannot legally sell. This will incentivize retailers to sell existing inventories of these medications without re-ordering. The consumer should expect to see store shelves empty and not restocked. I also anticipate excessive purchasing/hoarding to occur once word of the June 2023 deadline becomes more widespread, especially in areas where veterinarians are unavailable. 

Veterinarian Shortages and Antibiotics

There is a severe shortage of veterinarians and vet techs in the United States. According to the recent Mars Veterinary Health Report, by 2030, the US will need approximately 41,000 additional veterinarians and nearly 133,000 vet techs. For further research into specific areas of the United States experiencing veterinary services shortages, click HERE. When considering sheep and goats, the number of small ruminant veterinarians in the United States is already critically low. Regardless of the reasoning behind the shift to prescription requirements, this will more than likely cause additional stress on an already stressed veterinary workforce.

Find a Veterinarian Now

If you do not have a relationship with a veterinarian, you should do so now. Suppose you do not have a small ruminant veterinarian in your area. You may have to reach out to the closest office and establish a telephone-based consultation service. More than likely, your veterinarian will need to know what species, breed, sex, and number of animals you have on your farm, including what type of operation you run (commercial, production, breeding stock, show stock, etc.). It is reasonable to assume your veterinarian will write you prescriptions to cover medications they expect you to have on hand for various illnesses and incidents. This could include injectable drugs, oral medicines, and feed additives. Again, you need to have an established relationship with a veterinarian to be prepared before you have a problem.

Conclusion

Changes are coming and are unavoidable as we prepare for the end of over-the-counter antibiotics. Prepare now to avoid future problems. If you don’t have a veterinarian, get one as soon as possible. We will keep you updated with any changes as they present themselves. You can always count on Linessa Farms and Foundation Feed to help keep your animals healthy. Check out the link for our online store HERE.