New antibiotic rules paired with rural vet shortage leave livestock producers struggling with care

Cattleman Rollin Head finds the new antibiotic guidance
and vet shortage a challenge. (Photo by B. Haynes, FP)

To stem antimicrobial resistance in livestock, the Food and Drug Administration moved to transition most livestock antibiotics from over-the-counter to prescription only, leaving some food animal farmers in a lurch because there are not enough rural veterinarians, reports Betty Haynes of Farm Progress.

The FDA's Guidance for Industry 263 (GFI 263) began about six months ago. "Part of that guidance says livestock producers have to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship or VCPR. Nikki Johnson, veterinarian and Illinois State Veterinary Medicine Association president, says livestock producers should be proactive about establishing a VCPR because it's now required by law. A VCPR is valid for 12 months, allowing the veterinarian and livestock producer to work together on a herd health and emergency plan for farm visits or telemedicine consults."

In theory, that sounds like good medicine, but some farmers have found it difficult to manage. "For Rollin Head, Blue Mound, Ill., GFI 263 plus the rural vet shortage has pressured him to change how he handles and administers antibiotics," Haynes writes. "Although Head has a relationship with his veterinarian, he's resorted to performing most of his own vet work because the nearest vet clinic is often constrained by time and staffing limitations. Head says recently he's also been fighting vaccine backorders — adding another layer of frustration and forcing him to frequently change his vaccine protocols."

Head told Haynes, "I know these restrictions were put in place to eliminate antibiotic misuse, but it's a hindrance for cattlemen. If there isn't a vet in your area, that creates a pretty big problem since time is of the essence when treating cattle."

There is some proactive work that Head has found helpful "for livestock producers navigating the realities of vet oversight," Haynes reports. Head's best practices include:

• Establish a VCPR so both parties understand the farm's location, needs and animals.
• Communicate quickly when emergencies occur so vets can schedule accordingly.
• Maintain a proactive vaccination protocol to reduce unnecessary illness.
• Invest in good facilities so vets can safely and efficiently perform farm visits.