I have a simple question for all the livestock producers out there. When your animals are sick, who do you call?
I assume that the answer you are giving me to that question is your veterinarian. I bet even in certain instances you would be prepared to administer your own medications when you are quite aware of what is happening. Maybe you use a medicated feed additive, or you give a shot to the sick animal. Farmers have been working with their vet on animal health on their farm for a long time.
The point I am making is this; I am almost entirely certain that you aren?t calling your local bureaucrat in Washington to get your animal health advice. There are some lawmakers who agree with you, and are introducing legislation to stop government agencies like the FDA from telling you how to care for your sick animals.
As of Sunday, the FDA says that producers need a prescription to purchase antibiotics for their herd when they are sick. The problem is that with a shrinking number of veterinarians and an increased workload, it isn?t always easy to get a prescription right away. Just like with humans, time is of the essence when an animal is sick. On Monday, Oklahoma Congressman Josh Brecheen and Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison introduced the Stop Government Overreach in Ranching Act. Congressman Brecheen explains the need.
Brecheen says this goes beyond cattle, it is affecting all agriculture.
Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to reach out to their representatives in Congress to pass the bill.
