Sulfamethazine Residues in Hogs Dramatically Reduced After Team Effort by Veterinarians and Hog Producers

Abstract

<p>The detection of residues of sulfamethazine in hogs has been dramatically reduced as a result of a team effort involving the veterinary profession and the hog producing industry, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reported. The dramatic drop in sulfamethazine residues came after the AVMA called for a temporary moratorium on use of the drug, a recommendation that was also made by the American Association of Swine Practitioners, the National Pork Producers Council, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. AVMA in concen with its constituent the American Association of Swine Practitioners encourages food animal practitioners, working with their hog producing clients, to provide assistance in planning and evaluating drug use programs and in testing for residues at the farm before animals are sent to market. Swine practitioners have been using a Sulfa on Site (SOS) test to assure the absence of sulfa residues in pigs.</p>