SB 27 Summary

• Prohibits administration of medically important antimicrobial drugs to livestock beginning January 1, 2018, unless ordered by a licensed veterinarian through prescription or veterinary feed directive pursuant to a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

• Bans use of medically important antimicrobial drugs solely for promoting weight gain or improving feed efficiency in livestock.

• Requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to develop antimicrobial stewardship guidelines and best management practices in consultation with the Veterinary Medical Board, State Department of Public Health, universities, and cooperative extensions.

• Mandates the Department of Food and Agriculture to gather data on medically important antimicrobial drug sales and usage, antimicrobial resistant bacteria, and livestock management practices, with results reported to the Legislature by January 1, 2019.

• Establishes civil penalties of up to $250 per day for first violations and $500 per day administrative fines for subsequent violations, with confidentiality protections for information provided under the chapter.