A Producers Guide for Judicious Use of Antimicrobials in Cattle
Prevent Problems: Emphasize appropriate husbandry and hygiene, routine health examinations, and vaccinations.
Select and Use Antibiotics Carefully: Consult with your veterinarian on the selection and use of antibiotics. Have a valid reason to use
an antibiotic. Therapeutic alternatives should be considered prior to using antimicrobial therapy.
Avoid Using Antibiotics Important in Human Medicine As First Line Therapy: Avoid using as the first antibiotic those medications that are
important to treating strategic human or animal infections.
Use the Laboratory to Help You Select Antibiotics: Cultures and susceptibility test results should be used to aid in the selection of antimicrobials,
whenever possible.
Avoid Using Broad Spectrum: Use narrow spectrum antimicrobials, whenever possible. Combination antibiotic therapy is discouraged.
Avoid Inappropriate Antibiotic Use: Confine therapeutic antimicrobial use to proven clinical indications, avoiding inappropriate uses such as for viral
infections without bacterial complications.
Treatment Program Should Reflect Best Use Principles: Regimens for therapeutic antimicrobial use should be optimized using current
pharmacological information and principles.
Treat the Fewest Number of Animas Possible: Limit antibiotic use to sick or risk animals.
Treat for the Recommended Time Period: To minimize the potential for bacteria to become resistant to antimicrobials.
Avoid Environmental Contamination with Antibiotics: Steps should be taken to minimize antimicrobials reaching the environment through spillage,
contaminated ground run off or aerosolization.
Keep Records of Antibiotic Use: Accurate records of treatment and outcome should be used to evaluate therapeutic regimens and always follow proper
withdrawal times.
Follow Label Directions: Follow label instructions and never use antibiotics other than as labeled without a valid veterinary prescription.
Extralabel Antibiotics Use Must follow FDA Regulations: Prescriptions, including extra label use of medications must meet the Animal Medicinal Drug
Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA) amendments to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and its regulations. This includes having a valid Veterinary-Client
-Relationship.
Subtherapeutic Antibiotic Use Is Discouraged: Antibiotic use should be limited to prevent or control disease and should not be used if the principle
intent is to improve performance.