AlpacaGram 10.27 | Antibiotic Use

Over-The-Counter Antibiotics Will Soon Require a Prescription

Effective June 11, 2023, all medically important antibiotics (essential to human medicine and also used to treat animals) will require veterinary oversight to be used in animals. Examples of affected products include injectable penicillin and oxytetracycline. That will mean that these drugs that are currently available over-the-counter will no longer be available without a prescription from a veterinarian. Most vaccines, dewormers, nutritional supplements, probiotics and topical nonantibiotic treatments will not require a veterinary prescription.

It is important to establish a relationship with a veterinarian who serves as your primary contact for all veterinary services and is familiar with you, your alpacas, and your farm operation. This does not mean that you must have a veterinarian come out to diagnose and treat every animal that has an issue on your farm. It simply means that you will no longer be able to run to your nearest farm store to pick up a bottle of LA-200. These products will still be available, but they will have to be purchased through your veterinarian’s office, or with a prescription from your veterinarian.

Getting some control over antibiotic use will ensure that they remain effective. The goal is to cut down on antibiotic resistance in both livestock and humans. So, don’t wait! Get ready for this change now by talking to your veterinarian and establishing that important veterinary-client-patient relationship.