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§ 3-1003. Use of medically important antimicrobial drugs

West's Annotated Code of MarylandAgricultureEffective: October 1, 2019

West's Annotated Code of Maryland
Agriculture
Title 3. Regulation of Livestock and Poultry (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle 10. Use of Antimicrobial Drugs (Refs & Annos)
Effective: October 1, 2019
MD Code, Agriculture, § 3-1003
§ 3-1003. Use of medically important antimicrobial drugs
Prohibited administration in feed or water
(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.
Requirements to use
(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.
May not be administered in a regular pattern
(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.
Prohibited uses
(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.
Time limit for administration
(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.
Regulations
(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.

Credits

Added by Acts 2017, c. 787, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2017; Acts 2017, c. 788, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2017. Amended by Acts 2019, c. 678, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2019; Acts 2019, c. 679, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2019.
MD Code, Agriculture, § 3-1003, MD AGRIC § 3-1003
Current through legislation effective through April 25, 2024, from the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
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