(a) A medically important antimicrobial drug may not be administered in feed or water to cattle, swine, or poultry unless ordered by a licensed veterinarian through: (1) A medically important antimicrobial drug prescription; or (2) A veterinary feed directive. (b) (1) On or after January 1, 2018, and subject to subsection (c) of this section, a medically important antimicrobial drug may be administered to cattle, swine, or poultry if, in the professional judgment of a licensed veterinarian, the medically important antimicrobial drug is necessary: (i) To treat a disease or infection; (ii) To control the spread of a disease or infection; or (iii) For a surgery or medical procedure. (2) (i) On or after January 1, 2018, a medically important antimicrobial drug may be administered to cattle, swine, or poultry if, in the professional judgment of a licensed veterinarian, the medically important antimicrobial drug is necessary for prophylaxis to address an elevated risk of contraction of a particular disease or infection. (ii) Notwithstanding subsection (e) of this section, administration of a medically important antimicrobial drug for the purpose of prophylaxis may not exceed 21 days unless federal label directions require a longer period of use. (c) Unless administration of a medically important antimicrobial drug is consistent with subsection (b)(1) of this section, a medically important antimicrobial drug may not be administered in a regular pattern to cattle, swine, or poultry. (d) A medically important antimicrobial drug may not be administered to cattle, swine, or poultry solely for the purpose of: (1) Promoting weight gain; or (2) Improving feed efficiency. (e) (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a medically important antimicrobial drug may not be administered to cattle, swine, or poultry for a period longer than 21 days. (2) A medically important antimicrobial drug may be administered to cattle, swine, or poultry for a period longer than 21 days if the federal label directions for the drug require a longer period of use. (3) (i) A licensed veterinarian may extend administration of a medically important antimicrobial drug for not more than 21 days if, after conducting an on-site visit, the veterinarian determines that the extension is necessary to treat or control the spread of disease or infection. (ii) A licensed veterinarian may grant additional extensions of not more than 21 days, provided that the veterinarian conducts an on-site visit before each extension. (f) On or before January 1, 2021, the Department shall adopt regulations prohibiting the routine administration of a medically important antimicrobial drug to dairy cattle entering a dry cycle except when necessary based on an assessment of the presence of an intramammary infection.
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