Section 3-1003 - Administration of important antimicrobial drug - When permitted; limitations(a) A medically important antimicrobial drug may not be administered in feed or water to cattle, swine, or poultry unless ordered by a licensed veterinarian through: (1) A medically important antimicrobial drug prescription; or(2) A veterinary feed directive.(b)(1) On or after January 1, 2018, and subject to subsection (c) of this section, a medically important antimicrobial drug may be administered to cattle, swine, or poultry if, in the professional judgment of a licensed veterinarian, the medically important antimicrobial drug is necessary:(i) To treat a disease or infection;(ii) To control the spread of a disease or infection; or(iii) For a surgery or medical procedure.(2)(i) On or after January 1, 2018, a medically important antimicrobial drug may be administered to cattle, swine, or poultry if, in the professional judgment of a licensed veterinarian, the medically important antimicrobial drug is necessary for prophylaxis to address an elevated risk of contraction of a particular disease or infection.(ii) Notwithstanding subsection (e) of this section, administration of a medically important antimicrobial drug for the purpose of prophylaxis may not exceed 21 days unless federal label directions require a longer period of use.(c) Unless administration of a medically important antimicrobial drug is consistent with subsection (b)(1) of this section, a medically important antimicrobial drug may not be administered in a regular pattern to cattle, swine, or poultry.(d) A medically important antimicrobial drug may not be administered to cattle, swine, or poultry solely for the purpose of: (1) Promoting weight gain; or(2) Improving feed efficiency.(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a medically important antimicrobial drug may not be administered to cattle, swine, or poultry for a period longer than 21 days.(2) A medically important antimicrobial drug may be administered to cattle, swine, or poultry for a period longer than 21 days if the federal label directions for the drug require a longer period of use.(3)(i) A licensed veterinarian may extend administration of a medically important antimicrobial drug for not more than 21 days if, after conducting an on-site visit, the veterinarian determines that the extension is necessary to treat or control the spread of disease or infection.(ii) A licensed veterinarian may grant additional extensions of not more than 21 days, provided that the veterinarian conducts an on-site visit before each extension.(f) On or before January 1, 2021, the Department shall adopt regulations prohibiting the routine administration of a medically important antimicrobial drug to dairy cattle entering a dry cycle except when necessary based on an assessment of the presence of an intramammary infection.Amended by 2019 Md. Laws, Ch. 679,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2019.Amended by 2019 Md. Laws, Ch. 678,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2019.Added by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 788,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2017.Added by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 787,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2017.