New short acting antibiotic approved for Canadian farms
Merck Animal Health has announced the Canadian launch of Engemycin DD, a new short acting antibiotic designed for cattle, swine and sheep. Known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, the company is introducing this product to help farmers manage bacterial infections in livestock.
Engemycin DD contains oxytetracycline and is classified as a Category III antimicrobial drug, which is considered less critical to human medicine than higher-category antibiotics. This makes it an important tool for veterinarians and farmers seeking responsible treatments that reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
Unlike many existing products, Engemycin DD is the only short acting oxytetracycline available for livestock. This feature is particularly valuable for dairy farmers because it allows treatment of infected cows while maintaining a manageable withdrawal period for milk.
“The launch of Engemycin® DD is significant, especially for dairy farmers in provinces where the use of Category I antimicrobials has been restricted in food-producing animals,” said Ray Reynen, DVM, Veterinary Services, Cattle at Merck Animal Health. “Engemycin® DD gives producers a viable option where they have had limited choices for broad-spectrum antibiotics.”