FDA restricts antimicrobial drug use in livestock and poultry

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an order Wednesday that prohibits uses of certain antimicrobial drugs in cattle, swine, chickens and turkeys in a move to prevent humans from developing drug resistances, according to a press release.

In its order, FDA is prohibiting what are called “extralabel” or unapproved uses of cephalosporins in cattle, swine, chickens and turkeys, the so-called major species of food-producing animals.

"We believe this is an imperative step in preserving the effectiveness of this class of important antimicrobials that takes into account the need to protect the health of both humans and animals," said Michael R. Taylor, deputy commissioner for foods.