Additional advice for vets & farmers on the correct prescribing & u
We have recently received several orders from customers for Chloromed 150 mg/g Oral Powder for Calves 1kg, for quantities that have clearly not been for use in individual animals.
Orders received by Farmacy which are clearly not for use as stated in the SPC will be cancelled immediately.
The following is the most recent advice from the VMD with regard to the prescribing and use of chlortetracycline (CTC) in calf milk. This can be found on the product page along with the data sheet.
In December 2012 and June 2013, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate issued advice regarding the prescribing and use of chlortetracycline (CTC) in calf milk replacer.
The VMD advice stated that there are no veterinary medicinal products containing CTC or any other antibiotics authorised for incorporation into calf milk replacer feed by the manufacturer, in advance of immediate feeding to calves. We welcome that this appears to have been heeded, however, we still have concerns about the prescribing of CTC oral powder to routinely treat groups of calves where the veterinarian has not diagnosed respiratory disease.
The VMD has recently been made aware that, at the request of farmers, some veterinary surgeons are routinely prescribing a CTC oral powder, Chloromed Oral Powder for Calves, for groups of pre-ruminating calves for prevention of disease. We are also concerned that it is being prescribed and used for longer than the 7 days recommended in the marketing authorisation summary of product characteristics (SPC).
The VMD reminds farmers and veterinary surgeons that the CTC oral powder:
• is only authorised for the treatment of individual animals, following a clinical assessment of those animals by a veterinarian; and
• is authorised to be administered for 7 days.In addition:
• Veterinarians must be able to justify their prescriptions for CTC oral powder and keep appropriate records.
• Farmers should seek advice from their veterinarian, they must not request prescriptions which are against the veterinarian's professional judgement.The routine administration of antibiotics to prevent disease, particularly when administered for long periods beyond the duration of treatment is not in accordance with responsible use of medicines. These practises promote the development of resistance which could lead to treatment failures in the future. The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct requires veterinarians to prescribe in a manner that minimises the development of resistance.
Veterinarians should advise farmers on best farming practice principles in order to minimise the occurrence of disease and therefore the need for antibiotics. Further guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics is available from the BVA and the
Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) Alliance.Antimicrobial resistance threatens human and animal health and must be taken seriously. On receipt of any information of inappropriate prescribing and use of antibiotics, the VMD will take appropriate action.
Should you have any questions please contact Janis McDonald: Tel: 01932 338307
e:mail: j.mcdonald@vmd.defra.gsi.gov.uk- 9th October 2013
