Drug Use in Food Animals

Clell V. Bagley DVM, Utah State University

Abstract

Producers should be aware that there are four ways to legally obtain and use antibiotics and other drugs in food animals. The first, and most common source, is over the counter (OTC) drugs, labeled for specific uses. In using these products the producer is limited strictly to the dosage, routes, animal and disease condition listed on the label. He cannot legally use it in any other way. These same guidelines must be applied to OTC feed additive medications as well and they must be used strictly in accord with label directions.