Avoiding Residues from Tetracycline Drugs

DID YOU KNOW? Drug residues from oxytetracycline use are more likely to occur when producers: h Exceed the highest recommended dose of drug per pound of bodyweight per day;

h Use the drug at a higher frequency or longer duration than is listed on the label; and/or

h Inject more than 10 mL per IM or SC injection site limit.

Tetracycline drugs account for nearly two thirds of all What Strengths of Injectable Oxytetracyclines antibiotics sold for use in livestock. Tetracycline drugs are Available? are available in many different forms (chlortetracycline, Injectable oxytetracycline is available in 100 mg/ml, oxytetracycline, tetracycline) and preparations 200 mg/ml, and 300 mg/ml concentrations. The 100 (injectable, tablet, water-soluble powder, medicated mg/ml and 300 mg/ml preparations have approvals for feed). Oxytetracycline, one of the most used forms, is non-lactating dairy cattle and beef cattle. The 200 mg/ available for use in food producing animals in a variety ml forms include lactating dairy cattle in their animal of injectable formulations. Although most formulations class approvals. There are no FDA approvals for use of of injectable oxytetracycline require a veterinary injectable oxytetracycline in sheep or goats, so any use prescription for purchase, some oxytetracyclines are of this drug in these species is considered extra-label available over-the-counter (OTC). Prescription and OTC drug use. oxytetracycline may vary in concentration and directions for use. Because of these differences, it is important What are the Limitations of Injectable to read and follow FDA labels carefully to avoid a drug Oxytetracycline Use? residue. Other routes of administration of injectable What are the Disease Indications for Injectable oxytetracycline have been used throughout the years, Oxytetracycline Use? including the infusion of injectable oxytetracycline into the uterus to treat metritis. This extra-label use of Injectable oxytetracycline is approved by the FDA to injectable oxytetracycline is discouraged. Withdrawal treat respiratory disease, foot rot, pink eye, diphtheria, times are unpredictable and can vary greatly depending E. coli scours, wooden tongue, leptospirosis, wound upon the severity of the animal’s case of metritis. infections, and acute metritis. Additional disease More severe cases of metritis result in a higher state of approvals for anthrax and anaplasmosis in beef cattle and inflammation which may lead to a higher rate and extent non-lactating dairy cattle are available with a prescription of absorption of the oxytetracycline. and veterinary guidance.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this information is available in alternative forms of communication upon request 2/2021 by calling 651-201-6000. TTY users can call the Minnesota Relay Service at 711. The MDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Page 1 of 2 What about Tetracycline Drugs Applied Can Milk be Tested for Tetracylcine Residues? to the Foot? While testing of tankers for tetracyclines is not a Powder form tetracycline drugs are often used required part of routine testing protocols, testing is topically to treat foot diseases. Great care should be conducted intermittently and for specific markets. taken when using a topical application of a tetracycline Some milk processing plants may also be testing for solution in a foot bath or spray to avoid inadvertent tetracycline-class drugs at much lower levels than the introduction to the teat canal. New studies have shown U.S. tolerance level to meet regulatory requirements for tetracycline was present on the teat skin, in the milk export. Producers should consult with their veterinarian and serum after topical application in the form of a about milk and meat withdrawal times for oxytetracycline paste or powder applied in a single dose with or without drugs, and especially when using oxytetracycline in an a bandage. Use a low dose and test milk with the Charm extra-label manner. Milk from treated animals should be ROSA TET test post treatment to provide further tested to ensure the oxytetracycline is at or below the protection from a residue. U.S. tolerance of 300 ppb.

For additional information visit www.mda.state.mn.us/residue-prevention

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