Carbadox Explained

Carbadox is a veterinary drug that combats infection in swine, particularly swine dysentery.

Indications

Carbadox is indicated for control of swine dysentery (vibrionic dysentery, bloody scours, or hemorrhagic dysentery); control of bacterial swine enteritis (salmonellosis or necrotic enteritis caused by Salmonella enterica); aid in the prevention of migration and establishment of large roundworm (Ascaris suum) infections; aid in the prevention of establishment of nodular worm (Oesophagostomum) infections.[1]

Safety

In animal models, carbadox has been shown to be carcinogenic and to induce birth defects.[2] The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine has questioned the safety in light of its possible carcinogenicity.[3]

Regulation

Carbadox is approved in the United States only for use in swine and may not be used within 42 days of slaughter or used in pregnant animals.[1] In 2016, the United States Food and Drug Administration moved to ban its use in pork, citing a potential cancer risk to humans.[4] However, as of August 2018, FDA had indefinitely stayed its withdrawal of approval and carbadox remains available. [5]

In 2004, carbadox was banned by the Canadian government as a livestock feed additive and for human consumption. The European Union also forbids the use of carbadox at any level.[6] Australia forbids the use of carbadox in food producing animals.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 21CFR 558.115 . Code of Federal Regulations . FDA . 1 Apr 2014 . 23 Mar 2015 .
  2. 10.1016/S0378-4274(01)00522-7 . Teratogenic assessment of carbadox in rats . Toxicology Letters . 129 . 1–2 . 115–118 . 2002 . Yoshimura . Haruo . 11879981 .
  3. Web site: Questions and Answers regarding Carbadox . Food and Drug Administration . July 31, 2019 . August 7, 2019 .
  4. Web site: Maggie . Fox . FDA Moves to Ban Cancer-Causing Pork Antibiotic . NBC News . 8 April 2016 . 9 Apr 2016.
  5. Web site: 10-K: PHIBRO ANIMAL HEALTH CORP . MarketWatch . 3 Jul 2019.
  6. Web site: Ungemach . Fritz R. . WHO Food Additives Series: 51 CARBADOX (addendum) . WHO Food Additives Series . INCHEM. 23 Mar 2015 .