The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) applauds Governor Jerry Brown for signing SB 27 (Hill) into law. This bill sets aggressive, groundbreaking standards for antimicrobial drug use in California livestock and will positively impact antibiotic resistance in both humans and animals.
Currently, many medically important antimicrobials are available at feed stores or on the internet—with no prescription required. This legislation ensures that medically important antimicrobial drugs used in livestock are only available through veterinary prescription or veterinary feed directive. Additionally, it bans the use of antimicrobials for growth promotion and feed efficiency.
Veterinarians serve a vital role in ensuring the safety of our food supply. The uniqueness of veterinary medicine makes it critical that veterinarians use their professional training, extensive years of study, proper diagnostics, and the latest scientific information to make the best medical decisions for animals. A veterinarian's oversight of antimicrobials to treat, prevent, and control disease or infection in livestock will minimize pain, suffering, and mortality while also addressing antimicrobial resistance.
SB 27 was developed by Senator Jerry Hill using a very active stakeholder process. The CVMA believes it is balanced, forward-thinking legislation that sets a precedent for the rest of the nation.
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