Violative Drug Residues, Is Your Operation Part of the Solution, or Part of the Problem

During this month's DCHA webinar, sponsored by National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Dr. Keith Sterner of Sterner Veterinary Clinic spoke on the importance of managing herd health appropriately to avoid drug residue violations. Dr. Sterner referred to six of the most common reasons for residue violations:

• Not following label directions for correct treatment
• Not following label directions for the appropriate withdrawal period
• Treatment not recorded as a written record and shipping them before an appropriate extended withdrawal period was observed
• Poor animal identification, resulting in not remembering or recognizing which animal was treated
• Long-term residue following treatment as a calf
• Extra-label drug use (This means that a drug is used in a species not listed on the label, at a dose not recommended on the label, via a route not recommended on the label, or in a form not for this species.)

Additionally, Dr. Sterner pointed out several techniques to utilize to ensure that a violative drug residue is avoided:

• Have the animal identified.
• Read and follow the label instructions.
• Follow the label dose. You must know the animal's weight to calculate the specific dose of the drug to be given.
• Administer the drug via the route specified on the label (i.e., oral, intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, topical). Administer the drug for the length of time specified on the label or by your veterinarian.
• Do not market the treated animal until the entire withdrawal period is finished. The last dose of the drug begins the withdrawal time.
• Keep written records of all animal treatments.

Dr. Sterner pointed out that extra-label drug use is one of the most common sources of violative drug residues, so producers should take extra caution and read the labels thoroughly. Make certain that if a drug is used in an extra-label manner that it is in consultation with your veterinarian. He also noted that most cases of illegal residues do not have a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship. All producers are encouraged to form a strong VCPR with a veterinarian that they trust and respect to ensure the best herd health.

The DCHA August webinar and this Tip of the Week was sponsored by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.