What are the laws governing the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture?

The laws governing the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture in Washington depend on the type of antibiotic being used. In general, antibiotics used in animal feed must only be used for preventative, therapeutic, or diagnostic purposes, as all other uses are prohibited. These purposes are strictly defined, meaning that antibiotics cannot be used for growth promotion and only for disease prevention and treatment. Veterinary oversight is also required for any use of antibiotics in animal feed, and a veterinarian must have approved the use of the particular antibiotic. When it comes to therapeutic uses of antibiotics, the Washington state Department of Agriculture requires analytical data, such as a laboratory test, to determine the presence of a bacterial infection. The veterinarian must then prescribe the appropriate use of antibiotics, taking into account the type and severity of the infection. In addition to the veterinary oversight, any antibiotic used in animal feed must also be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the Washington State Department of Agriculture. There are specific requirements and compliance deadlines for these approvals. Overall, the laws governing the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture in Washington are strict to ensure the safety of the food produced and to help mitigate the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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What are the laws governing the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture?

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