Section 1 | Extra-Label Drug Use in Sheep & Goats
Industry
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Establishing Withdrawal Times
When using drugs in an extra-label manner, the withdrawal time on the label does not apply. It is up to your veterinarian to recommend the proper withdrawal times and to provide warnings for human and animal safety. It is up to both you and your vet to ensure that no illegal drug residues result from extra-label drug use (ELDU). To establish a proper withdrawal time, whether in milk or meat, your veterinarian may contact the Canadian Global Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database (CgFARAD), an industry-supported organization that provides science-based advice to veterinarians regarding withdrawal times for ELDU. More research is needed in this area — stay tuned!
ELDU is common in sheep and goats because there are few drugs with label indications in the species. It is important to work with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment should you need it. Your veterinarian is the only person who is able to prescribe a drug for ELDU!
We sat down with Dr. Paula Menzies, a newly retired veterinarian and faculty member at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College. She discusses some of the challenges small ruminant producers face with ELDU and how that can impact antimicrobial use on the farm
