FDA Prohibits Extralabel Use of Cephalosporins

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier today issued an order that prohibits the extra-label use of cephalosporin drugs in livestock, including dairy cattle, at unapproved dose levels, frequencies or routes of administration. FDA says it is taking the action to preserve the effectiveness of cephalosporin drugs for treating diseases in humans. Prohibiting extralabel use in livestock species reduces the risk of cephalosporin resistance in certain bacterial pathogens, says the agency. In addition, FDA prohibits using cephalosporin drugs in cattle, swine, chickens or turkeys that are not approved for use in that species. It also prohibits use of the drug for disease prevention. <more> Jan. 4, 2011 Dairy Today