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More reaction to FDA’s antibiotics guidelines

More reaction to the FDA’s antibiotics guidance released yesterday.   

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says it’s glad the FDA isn’t completely banning the use of antibiotics and antimicrobials in cattle and other livestock species.  But NCBA says it is still concerned with regulatory actions that aren’t based on peer-reviewed science or that set the precedent to taking animal care and health decisions out of the hands of veterinarians. 

The American Feed Industry Association says it supports the FDA guidance and FDA’s collaborative approach to the issue.   

New York congresswoman Louis Slaughter, who has led the anti-antibiotics efforts in Congress, called it a step in the right direction, but said much more needs to be done.  

Quoted in a Los Angeles Times blog, Slaughter said ‘‘nonbinding recommendations are not a strong enough antidote to the problem…additionally, the FDA’s pace here has been nothing short of glacial.” 

In the same piece, Natural Resources Defense Council attorney Avinash Kar called the FDA’s action a “make-believe solution.” 

Farm Policy.com reported the following statement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture:  “USDA knows that America’s livestock producers are concerned about the health and care of their animals and are committed to the judicious use of antibiotics. We understand that producers will need to adjust their management practices in light of these changes, and that some producers operating on a smaller scale or in remote locations may have difficulty accessing a veterinarian, and that is why USDA will continue to work with FDA to ensure flexibility for farmers and ranchers caring for their animals while these changes are phased in. USDA is working with FDA to ensure the drugs producers need to protect the health of their animals are available in all locations; that FDA holds a series of public meetings throughout the country to hear from producers; and that updated outreach materials are provided to our livestock extension community to educate producers about these changes and the judicious use of antibiotics.” 

Under the new FDA policy, all antimicrobial medicines approved for use in animal agriculture will be used only for therapeutic purposes—disease treatment, control and prevention—and under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian through use of a Veterinary Feed Directive.