(a) The department, in consultation with the Veterinary Medical Board, the State Department of Public Health, universities, and cooperative extensions, shall develop antimicrobial stewardship guidelines and best management practices for veterinarians, as well as livestock owners and their employees who are involved with administering medically important antimicrobial drugs, on the proper use of medically important antimicrobial drugs for disease treatment, control, and prevention. The guidelines shall include scientifically validated practical alternatives to the use of medically important antimicrobial drugs, including, but not limited to, the introduction of effective vaccines and good hygiene and management practices.

(b) The department shall consult with livestock producers, licensed veterinarians, and any other relevant stakeholders on ensuring livestock timely access to treatment for producers in rural areas with limited access to veterinary care.

(c) For purposes of this section, “antimicrobial stewardship” is a commitment to do all of the following:

(1) To use medically important antimicrobial drugs only when necessary to treat, control, and, in some cases, prevent, disease.

(2) To select the appropriate medically important antimicrobial drug and the appropriate dose, duration, and route of administration.

(3) To use medically important antimicrobial drugs for the shortest duration necessary and to administer them to the fewest animals necessary.

(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 758, Sec. 1. (SB 27) Effective January 1, 2016.)