SB 4043

Abstract

Creates the Administration of Antibiotics to Food-Producing Animals Act. Provides that a medically important antibiotic may be administered to a food-producing animal only if prescribed by a veterinarian licensed under the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 who has visited the farm operation within the previous 6 months and only if deemed necessary for specified purposes. Provides that a producer may provide a medically important antibiotic to a food-producing animal only for the period necessary to accomplish the specified purposes. Provides that in that case, antibiotics should be used on the smallest number of animals and for the shortest time possible. Provides that a producer shall keep a record of specified information. Provides that provisions concerning the administration of antibiotics to food-producing animals take effect on January 1, 2023. Requires a producer that operates a large concentrated animal feeding operation to file an annual report containing specified information in a form and manner required by the Department of Agriculture by rule. Provides that, except for the identities of individual producers, all information reported to the Department under the Act shall be public record, to be made available online. Provides that the Department may take the actions necessary to prepare to implement the provisions of the Act in advance of the effective date of the other provisions of the Act. Provides that the Attorney General has the exclusive authority to enforce the Act, that each violation of the Act is punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000, and that the Attorney General may seek an injunction to prevent a violation of the Act.