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Use of Chlortetracyline or other antibiotics in Milk Replacer

Notice type: Advisory

Date: 15/05/2013

   

Product name or type:
Chlortetracycline and other veterinary antibiotics

Problem Or Issue:
There are no animal remedies containing Chlortetracycline (CTC) or other antibiotics that are authorised for incorporation into dry milk replacer in advance of reconstitution and immediate feeding of calves. In the case of CTC the presence of cations, such as Ca2+ and Fe3+, in milk replacer may induce the formation of chlortetracycline complexes and thereby a loss of antibiotic activity. This could result in insufficient absorption of chlortetracycline by the animals as well as contributing to antibiotic resistance. 

Background Information Or Related Documents:
Chlortetracycline is an antibiotic that is used, under veterinary prescription, for the treatment of certain respiratory diseases in calves. There has been some confusion over whether it can be used in dry milk replacer. The IMB wishes to clarify that there are no chlortetracycline veterinary medicinal products authorised by the IMB for incorporation into calf milk replacers in advance of reconstitution. It is outside the terms of the marketing authorisations of chlortetracycline products to incorporate them into dry milk replacer in advance of reconstitution. Oral powders containing chlortetracycline are authorised by the IMB for administration to individual calves less than six months of age, based on susceptibility testing, for immediate consumption. CTC is also authorised in premix formulations for incorporation into feedingstuffs by licensed feed millers for the treatment of groups of calves (note that the premix is also not authorised for use in calf milk replacer)

Use of Chlortetracyline or other antibiotics in Milk Replacer Document

Actions To Be Taken:
• The need for antibiotics is reduced where good husbandry practices, including the use of vaccination, hygiene and bio-security measures are followed. Consult your veterinary practitioner to put in place appropriate veterinary health strategies on farm. 
• Oral powders containing antibiotics such as chlortetracycline are to be used only in accordance with the prescription of a veterinary practitioner following a clinical diagnosis, 
• Oral powders containing Chlortetracycline should be prescribed following susceptibility testing, 
• Where oral powders containing Chlortetracycline are prescribed, they should be administered in small quantities of feed for immediate consumption by individual animals, 
• The dosage of chlortetracycline should be calculated correctly based on the animal’s bodyweight, 
• Oral powders containing Chlortetracycline should be mixed thoroughly into a part of the daily feed ration for administration immediately prior to feeding. 
• Where Oral powders containing Chlortetracycline are used, it should be ensured that the calculated dose is completely taken up by the animals. 
• The uptake of oral medication by animals can be altered as a consequence of illness. In case of insufficient uptake of feed, animals should be treated parenterally. 
• Do not blanket medicate young animals with antibiotics. To do so is incompatible with responsible use policies and contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance. 

Further Information:
Chlortetracycline and other veterinary antibiotics are regulated as prescription-only medicines. Consult your veterinary practitioner before use. Always read the label and follow the instructions for use. 

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