Livestock Drug Program
The Livestock Drug Program regulates over-the-counter livestock drugs. A program Registration Specialist reviews the livestock drugs for safety and efficacy. Particularly, livestock drugs intended for food production animals should be used in a way as not to cause a drug residue in food products derived from these animals. Fees are collected for licensing and registration to fund this program. Federal prescription drugs are exempt from registration.
Restricted Livestock Drugs and California Prescription Drugs
Certain antimicrobial restricted livestock drugs changed status on January 1, 2018 to require a prescription for purchase and use in California. CDFA has published final regulations clarifying new retailer requirements to sell restricted livestock drugs, including products that now require a prescription in California. Pursuant to the new regulations, these products are now defined as California prescription drugs. The adopted regulation text and final statement of reasons can be found at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/Regulations.
Please reference the documents below for more information about important changes to how these products can be sold. Additional resources will be posted as they become available.
- Letter to Restricted Livestock Drug Licensed Retailers
- What Does a Retailer Need to Do to Sell California Prescription Drugs?
- What is Required to Become a Livestock Drug Qualified Individual?
- Restricted Livestock Drug Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- List of Restricted Livestock Drugs – No Prescription Required
- List of California Prescription Drugs
For more information about medically important antimicrobial drugs, please visit the Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship website: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/AUS/.
Livestock Drug Qualified Individual Training
Do you want to become a Certified Livestock Drug Qualified Individual, or learn more about the new requirements to sell California Prescription Drugs? Attend a free training session hosted by CDFA. The first training will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 in Tulare, CA; additional dates to be announced. Attendees that successfully complete the training will receive a Livestock Drug Qualified Individual Certificate. Space is limited, please email AUS_Regulations@cdfa.ca.gov to register.
