Merck Quickly Responds to Concerns Over Zilmax Drug
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Merck Animal Health, the company that makes Zilmax, a growth feed additive for cattle, has launched a campaign in response to Tyson Foods move to stop purchasing cattle fed with Zilmax.
The company said that it is rolling out a five-step plan to reach out to cattle packers and suppliers in the next month to address any questions or concerns over Zilmax. One of the steps includes conducting a scientific audit of both feedlot operators and beef processors.
Tyson Foods, the largest U.S. meat processor, released a statement last week to U.S. cattle producers, which said that it would be suspending the purchase of cattle fed Zilmax starting Sept. 6, 2013. In the letter, Tyson said it was concerned about cases of cattle arriving at slaughter facilities exhibiting signs of having difficulty walking.
Zilmax is a commonly used drug used in the beef cattle industry to help animals gain additional weight to finish for slaughter and is approved for use in both Canada and the United States.