Background

In the past, VVC veterinarians have used and recommended using aspirin to treat cows with fever or cows with pain.  None of the aspirin bolus products that are marketed in the U.S. have gone through the Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) drug approval process and are not considered approved drugs for use in cattle.  Despite this fact, FDA previously stated that aspirin use in cattle was of “low regulatory concern.” This basically meant that the Agency was aware of its use in cattle but decided that it was too low of a priority for them to work with stakeholders to make a change.

What’s changing?

However, FDA has recently shifted this stance due to aspirin’s increased use, questions from the public about its use, and the availability of labeled products for treatment of fever and pain.  Through a “Dear Veterinarian” letter that was posted to its website, FDA has informed veterinarians that using aspirin in dairy cattle is illegal.  The letter states:

“The U.S. FDA understands that veterinarians and dairy farmers may be treating lactating dairy cattle for pyrexia [fever] and pain with aspirin and wants to clarify that there are no FDA-approved aspirin products for use in cattle. The extralabel use of unapproved drugs in food-producing species is prohibited. There are FDA-approved products for controlling pyrexia [fever] and pain in lactating dairy cattle that are safe, effective, and have established milk and meat withdrawal periods.”

VVC’s Response

On December 1, 2024, Valley Veterinary Clinic will stop selling aspirin at either clinic location or through our drop-ship sales program.  If your farm uses aspirin and/or aspirin is included in your farm treatment protocols, then you should plan to discuss alternative options during you next herd health visit or by calling your herd health veterinarian(s) or the clinic at your convenience.