FDA Withdraws Cephalosporin Prohibition Order
The following is a letter from AOBA President, David Barboza that was sent to AOBA members:
I’m writing to tell you about an important decision made by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and about one of the many benefits of your AOBA membership.
In July 2008, the FDA published a proposed order that would prohibit the extralabel use of Cephalosporin antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals. Even though alpacas are not part of the food producing chain the order impacted our industry. That order allowed for a 60 day comment period and a 90 day effective date for the order. Cephalosporin is a drug commonly used in the alpaca world and better known by the brand names Naxcel® and Excenel®.
The Government and Industry Relations Committee (GIRCOM), a joint committee of AOBA and ARI was made aware of the FDA order in early August and began to take action. During the weeks and months that followed, GIRCOM was in communication with the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) on behalf of our members. The AASRP and the AVMA took the lead commenting to the FDA and were well aware of the concerns of the alpaca industry. The GIRCOM continued to monitor the proceedings.
I am pleased to inform you that on November 21, 2008 the FDA withdrew their Order of
July 3, 2008. A copy of that decision can be found on the AOBA website at www.alpacaowners.com under “Committees” click on “Government.”
The countless hours put in by the volunteers in this industry serving on AOBA committees greatly assists our association. This is but one committee and one example of the result benefiting all members. Would you like to be involved? Committee participation and corresponding results is probably one of the most important benefits of AOBA membership. We look forward to counting you among our industry’s members in 2009.
David Barboza
President
Cephalosporin is a drug commonly used for alpacas. AOBA (The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association) does a lot of good for alpaca breeders! Sign up or renew your membership.
