Statement from AHI on the Final Guidance from FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine on the Duration of Use of Antimicrobials

The Animal Health Institute today applauded the final guidance published by FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) on the duration of use of antimicrobials. The guidance establishes a framework for sponsors to work with CVM to determine appropriate limits of use for medically important antimicrobials in feed and water while maintaining the ability of licensed veterinarians to judiciously address animal disease.

The past two years have demonstrated the impact animal disease outbreaks can have on farmer profitability and food prices. Veterinarians need a wide range of tools to combat animal disease and are in the best position to make decisions about the proper use of antimicrobials.

The animal health industry continues to work to reduce the need for antimicrobials in food animals. Disease prevention is the key to reducing the need for antibiotics. Diagnostics and vaccines are central to this effort. Global data shows that between 2019 and 2023, the animal health industry brought to market 28 new diagnostic tools and 71 new vaccines, nearly half addressing bacterial disease, in the fight to reduce the need for antimicrobials.

Our member companies look forward to working with FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to establish these new label guidelines.