SB 27 was signed into law by the Governor on October 11, 2015. Beginning January 1, 2018, this bill will require the following:
• Prohibit the administration of medically important antimicrobial drugs, unless ordered by a licensed veterinarian through a prescription or veterinary feed directive pursuant to a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
• Prohibit the administration of a medically important antimicrobial drug to livestock solely for purposes of promoting weight gain or improving feed efficiency.
• Require the Department of Food and Agriculture, in consultation with the Veterinary Medical Board, the State Department of Public Health, universities, and cooperative extensions, to develop antimicrobial stewardship guidelines & training materials best management practices on the proper use of medically important antimicrobial drugs.
• Require the department to gather information on medically important antimicrobial drug sales & usage, antimicrobial resistant bacteria, & livestock management practice data.
To read the full text of the bill: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB27
CPPA will continue to keep members informed on the changes to be implemented from this bill and work with industry stakeholders such as the California Department of Food & Agriculture in producer outreach efforts.
California pig farmers are committed to responsible pork production.
• The responsible use of antibiotics has long been an important on-farm practice of pig farmers.
• Specifically, since 1989, the Pork Quality Assurance® Plus certification program has been the foundation of responsible antibiotic use.
• Pork producers work closely with their herd veterinarians to determine when it’s necessary to treat their animals with antibiotics.
• Today’s pork producers support the use of antibiotics in pork production to treat sick pigs or prevent illness when needed. It is unethical to withhold treatment. Pork producers continue to innovate and find ways to improve pig health with and without antibiotics.
• America’s pig farmers support…
• The responsible use of antibiotics whether in human or veterinary medicine.
• Professional veterinary input for guidance on antibiotic use.
• Sound science for antibiotic research through their contribution to Pork Checkoff.