Iowa pig farmers have the opportunity to learn about new U.S. Food and Drug Administration-mandated antibiotic guidelines at a meeting being hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists next month.

The meeting will be held on Jan. 19 at the Washington County ISU Extension and Outreach office, located at 2223 250th St. in Washington.

“In 2017, FDA plans to mandate new antibiotic guidelines for livestock. Before that time, we are trying to inform our local producers about the new procedures and how it will affect their operations,” said Tom Miller, ISU Extension swine specialist.

The meeting will focus on the questions producers may have as FDA prepares to officially enact changes for antibiotic use in livestock beginning in 2017. ISU Extension swine veterinarian Dr. Chris Rademacher also will present information at the meeting.

Other discussion topics will include an overview of the guidelines and how they impact swine operations; what prescriptions are affected by the new guidelines; the implementation schedule; what drugs will require a veterinarian prescription; and an overview of the veterinary feed directive

The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. For information and to register, contact Tom Miller at (319) 653-4811 or tmiller@iastate.edu, by Friday, Jan. 15.

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